1.1. Contact organisation
| Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) Departement for Statistical Production |
1.2. Contact organisation unit
| Directorate for Economic Statistics |
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
| ISTAT Via Tuscolana, 1788 00173 Rome (Italy) |
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
2.1. Metadata last certified
31 October 2023
2.2. Metadata last posted
31 October 2023
2.3. Metadata last update
31 October 2023
3.1. Data description
Statistics on higher education R&D (HERD) measure research and experimental development (R&D) performed in the higher education sector, i.e. R&D expenditure and R&D personnel. In line with this objective the target population for the national R&D survey of the higher education sector should consist of all R&D performing institutional units (including all R&D performers – occasional and continuous, known and unknown - in all branches and size classes) belonging to this sector.
The main concepts and definitions used for the production of R&D statistics are given by the OECD (2015), Frascati Manual 2015: Guidelines for Collecting and Reporting Data on Research and Experimental Development, The Measurement of Scientific, Technological and Innovation Activities, which is the internationally recognised standard methodology for collecting R&D statistics and Eurostat’s European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics(EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics) complements this with guidelines for further harmonisation among EU, EFTA and candidate countries.
Since the beginning of 2021, the collection of R&D statistics is based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197 of 30 July 2020. The Regulation sets the framework for the collection of R&D statistics and specifies the main variables of interest and their breakdowns at predefined level of detail. Statistics on science, technology and innovation were collected until the end of 2020 based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2012/995 concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology.
In Italy Statistics on higher education R&D (HERD) measure research and experimental development (R&D) performed in public and private universities.
3.2. Classification system
- The local unit for the statistics are compiled at regional level according to NUTS 2 – Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics;
- The distribution by socioeconomic objectives (SEO) are based on Nomenclature for the Analysis and Comparisons of Scientific Programmes and Budgets (NABS);
- The fields of research and development are based on Classification and distribution by Fields of Research and Development (FORD).
3.2.1. Additional classifications
| Additional classification used | Description |
| No additional classification are used | |
3.3. Coverage - sector
See below.
3.3.1. General coverage
| Definition of R&D | In Italy Statistics on higher education R&D (HERD) measure research and experimental development (R&D) performed in public and private universities. |
| Fields of Research and Development (FORD) | No deviations from FM. |
| Socioeconomic objective (SEO by NABS) | No |
3.3.2. Sector institutional coverage
| Higher education sector | |
| Tertiary education institution | |
| University and colleges: core of the sector | Included |
| University hospitals and clinics | Partial included research institutes, centres, experimental stations and clinics that have their R&D activities under the direct control of, or administered by, tertiary education institutions. |
| HES Borderline institutions | |
| Inclusion of units that primarily do not belong to HES |
3.3.3. R&D variable coverage
| R&D administration and other support activities | No deviation from FM. |
| External R&D personnel | Including fellowships and doctoral students with a grant. |
| Clinical trials | No deviation from FM. |
3.3.4. International R&D transactions
| Receipts from rest of the world by sector - availability | No deviation from FM. |
| Payments to rest of the world by sector - availability | No deviation from FM. |
3.3.5. Extramural R&D expenditures
According to the Frascati Manual, expenditure on extramural R&D (i.e. R&D performed outside the statistical unit) is not included in intramural R&D performance totals (FM, §4.12).
| Data collection on extramural R&D expenditure (Yes/No) | Until 1990, total R&D expenditure includes intramural and extramural R&D. From 1991, extramural expenditure is separately collected and separated from intramural expenditure. |
| Method for separating extramural R&D expenditure from intramural R&D expenditure | |
| Difficulties to distinguish intramural from extramural R&D expenditure |
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
See below.
3.4.1. R&D expenditure
| Coverage of years | Calendar Year |
| Source of funds | No deviation from FM. |
| Type of R&D | No deviation from FM. |
| Type of costs | No deviation from FM. |
| Defence R&D - method for obtaining data on R&D expenditure | N/A |
3.4.2. R&D personnel
See below.
3.4.2.1. R&D personnel – Head Counts (HC)
| Coverage of years | Total number of persons employed during the calendar year |
| Function | No deviations from FM. |
| Qualification | No deviations from FM. |
| Age | No deviations from FM. |
| Citizenship | No deviations from FM. |
3.4.2.2. R&D personnel – Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
| Coverage of years | Total number of persons employed during the calendar year |
| Function | No deviations from FM. |
| Qualification | No deviations from FM. |
| Age | No deviations from FM. |
| Citizenship | No deviations from FM. |
3.4.2.3. FTE calculation
FTE are estimated applying a procedure based on a set of coefficients calculated on the basis of the results of the Istat “time-use survey" on the research activities of university professors and researchers (the last survey was carried out with reference to the year 2005).
3.4.2.4. R&D personnel - Cross-classification by function and qualification
| Cross-classification | Unit | Frequency |
| Availability of R&D personnel and researchers cross-classified by occupation and qualification. | HC AND FTE. | Annual. |
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit is the institutional unit as defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1993/696 of 15 March 1993, if there are deviations please explain.
University.
3.6. Statistical population
See below.
3.6.1. National target population
The target population is the population for which inferences are made. The frame (or frames, as sometimes several frames are used) is a device that permits access to population units. The frame population is the set of population units which can be accessed through the frame and the survey data really refer to this population of institutional units.
The objective of the European R&D statistics is to cover all intramural R&D activities. In line with this objective, the target population for the national R&D survey of the HES Sector should consist of all R&D performing institutional units (including known R&D performers or assumed to perform R&D). In practise however, countries in their R&D surveys might have difficulty in identifying R&D activities at the municipality level.
| Target population when sample/census survey is used for collection of raw data | Target population when administrative data or pre-compiled statistics are used | |
| Definition of the national target population |
|
Universities, colleges of technology and other institutions providing formal tertiary education programmes, whatever their source of finance or legal status;Research institutes, centres, experimental stations and clinics that have their R&D activities under the direct control of, or administered by, tertiary education institutions. |
| Estimation of the target population size | - |
3.7. Reference area
Not requested. R&D statistics cover national and regional data.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Not requested. See point 3.4.
3.9. Base period
Not requested. The base year for the unit Purchasing Power Standard (PPS) and PPS per inhabitant at constant prices is currently 2005. All calculations of non-basic unit (national currencies) are done by Eurostat.
The unit of measure used for the data values of the expenditures is Thousands of euro.
The data values refer to the calendar year.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
See below.
6.1.1. European legislation
| Legal acts / agreements | Since the beginning of 2021, the collection of R&D statistics is based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197 of 30 July 2020 laying down technical specifications and arrangements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council on European business statistics repealing 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics. The Regulation sets the framework for the collection of R&D statistics and specifies the main variables of interest and their breakdowns at predefined level of detail. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2012/995 concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology was in force until the end of 2020. |
| Nature of the “obligations” of responsible national organisations to produce statistics and report to international organisations | Mandatory |
6.1.2. National legislation
| Existence of R&D specific statistical legislation | Programma statistico nazionale (art. 13 d.lgs. n. 322 del 1989 and following acts) |
| Legal acts | DL 322/89 and following acts; National Statistics Plan 2011-2013; DCPM 21/03/2013; DPR 19/07/2013; D.lgs 30/06/2003 n.196 |
| Obligation of responsible organisations to produce statistics (as derived from the legal acts) | DL 322/89 |
| Right of responsible organisations to collect data – obligation of (natural / legal) persons to provide raw and administrative data (as derived from the legal acts) | DPR 19/07/2013; DL 322/89 |
| Obligation of responsible organisations to protect confidential information from disclosure (as derived from the legal acts) | DL 196/30/06/2003 |
| Rights of access of third organisations / persons to data and statistics (as derived from the legal acts) | National Statistics Plan |
| Planned changes of legislation | No changes are planned |
6.1.3. Standards and manuals
- Frascati Manual 2015, Guidelines for Collecting and Reporting Data on Research and Experimental Development
- European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not requested.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Confidentiality, being one of the process quality components, concerns the privacy of data providers (households, enterprises, administrations and other respondents), the confidentiality of the information they provide and the extent of its use for statistical purposes.
A property of data indicating the extent to which their unauthorised disclosure could be prejudicial or harmful to the interest of the source or other relevant parties.
a) Confidentiality protection required by law:
National legislation: Data Protection Code - Legislative Decree no. 196/2003 and subsequent amendments and additions;
b) Confidentiality commitments of survey staff:
Code of conduct and professional practice applying to the processing of personal data for statistical and scientific research purposes within the framework of the national statistical system and subsequent amendments and additions.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Data are processed at aggregate level. No confidentiality issues can be identified.
Primary and secondary confidentiality is respected for any data released.
8.1. Release calendar
The release calendar for the R&S data set exists and it is publicly accessible.
8.2. Release calendar access
8.3. Release policy - user access
Through Istat databases and information systems users can choose the information according to their needs. In some cases it is possible to build customised tables, in other cases, data are structured in prepackaged downloadable tables. Each database is accompanied by methodologies, classifications, definitions related to the topic.
Through Paper, electronic and interactive publications and specialist publications (Rivista di statistica ufficiale, Istat Working Papers) Istat promotes and enhances the research activity, sharing the results of studies in the field of official statistics.
For journalists there is a press room. The Istat Media Relations Office is responsible for all dealings with the media – from national newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and online publications – and provides ongoing information, monitoring and support for publications, articles and television programmes. The press releases are issued by Istat press office from 10 a.m. on the date indicated, after a briefing to illustrate the main data, reserved for certified news agencies. During the briefing, journalists prepare the launch texts with no outside contact until a member of the press office staff approves the data release (lock-up system). Press office staff monitor agencies constantly throughout the briefing to ensure the embargo is respected. Accredited news agencies agree to respect this dissemination procedure. Failure to comply with the lock-up system may lead to temporary – or complete, in the case of repeated infractions – suspension of access to the press room.
Yearly
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
See below.
10.1.1. Availability of the releases
| Availability (Y/N)1 | Content, format, links, ... | |
| Regular releases | Y | Online press communication is prepared for the release of the Annual R&D Report. |
| Ad-hoc releases |
1) Y - Yes, N – No
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
See below.
10.2.1. Availability of means of dissemination
| Means of dissemination | Availability (Y/N)1 | Content, format, links, ... |
| General publication/article (paper, online) |
Y | The Annual R&D Report describes the principal results of the R&D survey; it includes graphs, tables and regional estimates; a chapter of the Italian Statistical Yearbook (the "Annuario Statistico Italiano") is also dedicated to R&D; |
| Specific paper publication (e.g. sectoral provided to enterprises) (paper, online) |
Y | Other reports for specific topics are eventually published. |
1) Y – Yes, N - No
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
I.stat (http://dati.istat.it/ ), a warehouse of statistics currently produced by Istat. Historical data are available at the following Istat web page: http://seriestoriche.istat.it/
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
See below.
10.4.1. Provisions affecting the access
| Access rights to the information | Data are available and accessible by following the standard procedures implemented by ISTAT |
| Micro-data anonymisation rules | None |
10.5. Dissemination format - other
See below.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not requested.
10.5.2. Availability of other dissemination means
| Dissemination means | Availability (Y/N)1 | Micro-data / Aggregate figures | Comments |
| Internet: main results available on the national statistical authority’s website | Y | Aggregate figures | The Annual R&D Report can be downloaded from a dedicated Internet page. |
| Data prepared for individual ad hoc requests | Y | Researchers and students can ask for specific tables at a higher level of detail (data on specific fields of science and with a higher level of territorial detail). | |
| Other |
1) Y – Yes, N - No
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Methodological note in Annual R&D Report
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not requested.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
See below.
10.7.1. Documentation and users’ requests
| Type(s) of data accompanying information available (metadata, graphs, quality reports, etc.) | Tables, graphs and a short glossary are available. |
| Request on further clarification, most problematic issues | No |
| Measure to increase clarity | No |
| Impression of users on the clarity of the accompanying information to the data | We do not receive particular requests on Hes statistics; the available documentation is supposed to be clear. |
11.1. Quality assurance
Quality tools have been developed by Istat in order to improve the quality of statistical processes and products, consistently with Istat’s mission and according to the quality framework of the European Statistical System.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
HES R&D data are produced in Italy by processing administrative and statistical data. Economic and personnel data provided, on a yearly basis, by the Ministry of Education, University and Research, are processed by ISTAT in connection with the set of weights produced by an "ad-hoc" time-use survey on University professors and researchers (last survey carried out with reference to year 2005).
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
See below.
12.1.1. Needs at national level
| Users’ class1 | Description of users | Users’ needs |
| Institutions | European level International organizations The Ministry of Education, University and Research Regional authorities |
European statitstics and policy analysis |
| Researchers and students | Public research centres and universities | Statistics and economic analysis |
| Media | Newspapers | Reporting and analysis |
1) Users' class codification
1- Institutions:
• European level: Commission (DGs, Secretariat General), Council, European Parliament, ECB, other European agencies etc.
• in Member States, at the national or regional level: Ministries of Economy or Finance, other ministries (for sectoral comparisons), National Statistical Institutes and other statistical agencies (norms, training, etc.), and
• International organisations: OECD, UN, IMF, ILO, etc.
2- Social actors: Employers’ associations, trade unions, lobbies, among others, at the European, national or regional level.
3- Media: International or regional media – specialized or for the general public – interested both in figures and analyses or comments. The media are the main channels of statistics to the general public.
4- Researchers and students (Researchers and students need statistics, analyses, ad hoc services, access to specific data.)
5- Enterprises or businesses (Either for their own market analysis, their marketing strategy (large enterprises) or because they offer consultancy services)
6- Other (User class defined for national purposes, different from the previous classes.)
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
To evaluate if users' needs have been satisfied, the best way is to use user satisfaction surveys.
12.2.1. National Surveys and feedback
| Conduction of a user satisfaction survey or any other type of monitoring user satisfaction | NO |
| User satisfaction survey specific for R&D statistics | - |
| Short description of the feedback received | - |
12.3. Completeness
See below.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not applicable.
12.3.2. Completeness - overview
Completeness is assessed via comparison of the data delivered against the requirements of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197. The Regulation (EU) stipulates periodicity of variables that should be provided, breakdowns and if they should be provided mandatory or on voluntary basis.
| 5 (Very Good) |
4 (Good) |
3 (Satisfactory) |
2 (Poor) |
1 (Very poor) |
Reasons for missing cells |
|
| Preliminary variables | X | |||||
| Obligatory data on R&D expenditure | X | |||||
| Optional data on R&D expenditure | ||||||
| Obligatory data on R&D personnel | X | |||||
| Optional data on R&D personnel | ||||||
| Regional data on R&D expenditure and R&D personnel | X |
Criteria:
A) Obligatory data. Only 'Very Good' = 100%, Poor' >95%; 'Very Poor' <100% apply.
B) Optional data. 'Very Good' = 100%; 'Good' = >75%; 'Satisfactory' 50 to 75%%; 'Poor' 25 to 50%; 'Very Poor' 0 to 25%.
12.3.3. Data availability
See below.
12.3.3.1. Data availability - R&D Expenditure
| Availability1 | Frequency of data collection | Gap years – years with missing data | Modifications - Description | Modifications - Year of introduction | Modifications - Reasons | |
| Source of funds | Y | |||||
| Type of R&D | Y-1987 | |||||
| Type of costs | Y | |||||
| Socioeconomic objective | N | |||||
| Region | ||||||
| FORD | Y | |||||
| Type of institution | N |
1) Y-start year, N – data not available
12.3.3.2. Data availability - R&D Personnel (HC)
| Availability1 | Frequency of data collection | Gap years – years with missing data | Modifications - Description | Modifications - Year of introduction | Modifications - Reasons | |
| Sex | Y-1998 | Annual | ||||
| Function | Y | Annual | ||||
| Qualification | Y | Annual | ||||
| Age | Y | Annual | ||||
| Citizenship | Y | Annual | ||||
| Region | Y | Annual | ||||
| FORD | ||||||
| Type of institution | N |
1) Y-start year, N – data not available
12.3.3.3. Data availability - R&D Personnel (FTE)
| Availability1 | Frequency of data collection | Gap years – years with missing data | Modifications - Description | Modifications - Year of introduction | Modifications - Reasons | |
| Sex | N | |||||
| Function | Y | Annual | ||||
| Qualification | Y | Annual | ||||
| Age | Y | Annual | ||||
| Citizenship | Y | Annual | ||||
| Region | Y | Annual | ||||
| FORD | ||||||
| Type of institution |
1) Y-start year, N – data not available
12.3.3.4. Data availability - other
| Additional dimension/variable available at national level1) | Availability2 | Frequency of data collection | Breakdown variables |
Combinations of breakdown variables | Level of detail |
| No additional dimension/variable | |||||
1) This question is optional. It refers to variables and breakdowns NOT asked by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197 (neither as 'optional').
2) Y-start year
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Accuracy in the statistical sense denotes the closeness of computations or estimates to the exact or true values. Statistics are not equal with the true values because of variability (the statistics change from implementation to implementation of the survey due to random effects) and bias (the average of the possible values of the statistics from implementation to implementation is not equal to the true value due to systematic effects).
Several types of statistical errors occur during the survey process. The following typology of errors has been adopted:
1. Sampling errors. These only affect sample surveys. They are due to the fact that only a subset of the population, usually randomly selected, is enumerated.
2. Non-sampling errors. Non-sampling errors affect sample surveys and complete enumerations alike and comprise:
a) Coverage errors,
b) Measurement errors,
c) Non response errors and
d) Processing errors.
Model assumption errors should be treated under the heading of the respective error they are trying to reduce.
13.1.1. Accuracy - Overall by 'Types of Error'
| Sampling errors | Non-sampling errors1) | Model-assumption Errors1) | Perceived direction of the error2) | ||||
| Coverage errors | Measurement errors | Processing errors | Non response errors | ||||
| Total intramural R&D expenditure | - | 5 | 1 | 5 | - | - | - |
| Total R&D personnel in FTE | - | 5 | 1 | 5 | - | - | -/+ |
| Researchers in FTE | - | 5 | 1 | 5 | - | - | -/+ |
1) Ranking of the type(s) of errors that result in over/under-estimation, from the most important source of error (1) to the least important source of error (5). In the event that errors of a particular type do not exist, is used the sign ‘-‘.
2) The perceived direction of the ‘overall’ error using the signs “+” for over estimation, “-” for under estimation and “+/-” when assumption of the direction of the error cannot be made for R&D.
13.1.2. Assessment of the accuracy with regard to the main indicators
| Indicators | 5 (Very Good)1 |
4 (Good)2 |
3 (Satisfactory)3 |
2 (Poor)4 |
1 (Very poor)5 |
| Total intramural R&D expenditure | x | ||||
| Total R&D personnel in FTE | x | ||||
| Researchers in FTE | x |
1) 'Very Good' = High level of coverage (annual rate of substitution in the target population lower than 5%). High average rates of response (>80%) in census and sample surveys. Full data consistency with reference to totals and relationships between variables in the dataset sent to Eurostat.
2) 'Good' = In the event that at least one out of the three criteria above described would not be fully met.
3) 'Satisfactory' = In the event that the average rate of response would be lower than 60% even by meeting the two remaining criteria.
4) 'Poor' = In the event that the average rate of response would be lower than 60% and at least one of the two remaining criteria would not be met.
5) 'Very Poor' = If all the three criteria are not met.
13.2. Sampling error
That part of the difference between a population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a random sample, which is due to the fact that only a subset of the population is enumerated.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
The main indicator used to measure sampling errors is the coefficient of variation (CV).
Definition of coefficient of variation:
CV= (Square root of the estimate of the sampling variance) / (Estimated value)
13.2.1.1. Variance Estimation Method
Not applicable.
13.2.1.2. Confidence interval for R&D expenditure by source of funds
| Source of funds | R&D expenditure |
| Business enterprise | Not applicable |
| Government | Not applicable |
| Higher education | Not applicable |
| Private non-profit | Not applicable |
| Rest of the world | Not applicable |
| Total | Not applicable |
13.2.1.3. Confidence interval for R&D personnel by occupation and qualification
| R&D personnel (FTE) | ||
| Function | Researchers | Not applicable |
| Technicians | Not applicable | |
| Other support staff | Not applicable | |
| Qualification | ISCED 8 | Not applicable |
| ISCED 5-7 | Not applicable | |
| ISCED 4 and below | Not applicable |
13.3. Non-sampling error
Non-sampling errors occur in all phases of a survey. They add to the sampling errors (if present) and contribute to decreasing overall accuracy. It is important to assess their relative weight in the total error and devote appropriate resources for their control and assessment.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Coverage errors are due to divergences between the target population and the frame population. The frame population is the set of target population members that has a chance to be selected into the survey sample. It is a listing of all items in the population from which the sample is drawn that contains contact details as well as sufficient information to perform stratification and sampling.
a) Description/assessment of coverage errors:
Target population includes Universities, colleges of technology and other institutions providing formal tertiary education programmes; Research institutes, centres, experimental stations and clinics that have their R&D activities under the direct control of, or administered by, tertiary education institutions. Borderline institutes located at universities but independent in accounting are included in other sectors.
b) Measures taken to reduce their effect:
Use of official statistical registers.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Measurement errors occur during data collection and generate bias by recording values different than the true ones (e.g. difficulty to distinguish intramural from extramural R&D Expenditure). The survey questionnaire used for data collection may have led to the recording of wrong values, or there may be respondent or interviewer bias.
a) Description/assessment of measurement errors:
Difficulty in distinguishing R&D from other activities and use of R&D coefficients.
b) Measures taken to reduce their effect:
Comparison of available administrative sources.
13.3.3. Non response error
Non-response occurs when a survey failed to collect data on all survey variables from all the population units designated for data collection in a sample or complete enumeration.
There are two elements of non-response:
-Unit non-response which occurs when no data (or so little as to be unusable) are collected on a designated population unit.
-Item non-response which occurs when data only on some, but not all survey variables are collected on a designated population unit.
The extent of response (and accordingly of non response) is also measured with response rates.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
The main interest is to judge if the response from the target population was satisfactory by computing the un-weighted response rate.
Definition: Eligible are the survey units which indeed belong to the target population. Frame imperfections always leave the possibility that some units may not belong to the target population. Moreover, when there is no contact with certain units and no other way to establish their eligibility they are characterised as ‘unknown eligibility units’.
Un-weighted Unit Non- Response Rate = 1 - (Number of units with a response) / (Total number of eligible and unknown eligibility units in the survey)
13.3.3.1.1. Un-weighted unit non-response rate
| Number of units with a response in the survey | Total number of units in the survey | Unit non-response rate (Un-weighted) |
| Not applicable |
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Definition:
Un-weighted Item Non-Response Rate (%) = 1-(Number of units with a response for the item) / (Total number of eligible , for the item, units in the sample) * 100
13.3.3.2.1. Un-weighted item non-response rate
| R&D variable/breakdown | Item non-response rate (un-weighted) (%) | Comments |
| Not applicable | ||
13.3.3.3. Measures to increase response rate
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Between data collection and the beginning of statistical analysis, data must undergo a certain processing: coding, data entry, data editing, imputation, etc. Errors introduced at these stages are called processing errors. Data editing identifies inconsistencies or errors in the data.
13.3.4.1. Identification of the main processing errors
| Data entry method applied | Not applicable (only administrative data) |
| Estimates of data entry errors | Not applicable (only administrative data) |
| Variables for which coding was performed | Not applicable (only administrative data) |
| Estimates of coding errors | Not applicable (only administrative data) |
| Editing process and method | Not applicable (only administrative data) |
| Procedure used to correct errors | Not applicable (only administrative data) |
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not requested.
14.1. Timeliness
Timeliness and punctuality refer to time and dates, but in a different manner: the timeliness of statistics reflects the length of time between their availability and the event or phenomenon they describe. Punctuality refers to the time lag between the release date of the data and the target date on which they should have been delivered, with reference to dates announced in the official release calendar.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Time lag between the end of reference period and the release date of the results:
Indicator: (Release date of provisional/ first results) - (Date of reference for the data)
a) End of reference period: 2021
b) Date of first release of national data: september 2023
c) Lag (days):
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
a) End of reference period:
b) Date of first release of national data:
c) Lag (days):
14.2. Punctuality
Punctuality refers to the time lag between the release date of data and the target date on which they were scheduled for release as announced officially.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Punctuality of time schedule of data release = (Actual date of the data release) - (Scheduled date of the data release)
14.2.1.1. Deadline and date of data transmission
| Transmission of provisional data | Transmission of final data | |
| Legally defined deadline of data transmission (T+_ months) | 10 | 18 |
| Actual date of transmission of the data (T+x months) | 10 | 18 |
| Delay (days) | 0 | 0 |
| Reasoning for delay |
15.1. Comparability - geographical
See below.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not requested.
15.1.2. General issues of comparability
As from 1991, extramural expenditure is collected separately in Italian R&D surveys and can thus be excluded from the data.
Until 1990, the measurement of the R&D expenditure is based on all intramural and extramural expenditure (including extramural expenditure abroad). In relation to Frascati Manual recommendations, the inclusion of extramural R&D expenditure leads to overestimation of Gross intramural expenditure on R&D (GERD). This concerns most particularly R&D expenditure in the enterprise sector, but concerns the government sector as well. At the national level, extramural expenditure represented more than 6% of the GERD in 1991 and nearly 15% in 1993. In 1991, more than 20% of this extramural expenditure represented financing abroad, and more than 26% in 1993.
15.1.3. Survey Concepts Issues
The following table lists a number of key survey concepts and conceptual issues; it gives reference to the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197 or Frascati manual and EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics paragraphs with recommendations about these concepts/issues.
| Concept / Issues | Reference to recommendations | Deviation from recommendations | Comments on national definition / Treatment – deviations from recommendations |
| R&D personnel | FM2015 Chapter 5 (mainly paragraph 5.2). | No | |
| Researcher | FM2015, § 5.35-5.39. | No | |
| Approach to obtaining Headcount (HC) data | FM2015, § 5.58-5.61 (in combination with Eurostat'EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Approach to obtaining Full-time equivalence (FTE) data | FM2015, § 5.49-5.57 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Reporting data according to formula: Total R&D personnel = Internal R&D personnel + External R&D personnel | FM2015, §5.25 | No | |
| Intramural R&D expenditure | FM2015, Chapter 4 (mainly paragraph 4.2). | No | |
| Statistical unit | FM2015 §3.70 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Target population | FM2015 §9.6 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Sector coverage | FM2015 §3.67-3.69 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Post-secondary (non university / college) education institutions | FM2015 §9.12 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Hospitals and clinics | FM2015 §9.13-9.17, §9.109-9.112 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Borderline research institutions | FM2015 §9.13-9.17, §9.109-9.112 (in combination with Eurostat's >EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Major fields of science and technology coverage and breakdown | Reg. 2020/1197 : Annex 1, Table 18 | No | |
| Reference period | Reg. 2020/1197 : Annex 1, Table 18 | No |
15.1.4. Deviations from recommendations
The following table lists a number of key methodological issues, which may affect the international comparability of national R&D statistics. The table gives the references in the Frascati manual, where related recommendations are made. Countries are asked to report on the existence of any deviations from existing recommendations and comment upon.
| Methodological issues | Deviation from recommendations | Comments on national treatment / treatment deviations from recommendations |
| Data collection method | Not applicable | |
| Survey questionnaire / data collection form | Not applicable | |
| Cooperation with respondents | Not applicable | |
| Coverage of external funds | No | |
| Distinction between GUF and other sources – Sector considered as source of funds for GUF | No | |
| Data processing methods | No | |
| Treatment of non-response | No | |
| Variance estimation | No | |
| Method of deriving R&D coefficients | No | |
| Quality of R&D coefficients | No | |
| Data compilation of final and preliminary data | No |
15.2. Comparability - over time
See below.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
See below.
15.2.2. Breaks in time series
| Length of comparable time series | Break years1 | Nature of the breaks | |
| R&D personnel (HC) | 1997 | A new method for estimating R&D in universities was introduced | |
| Function | |||
| Qualification | |||
| R&D personnel (FTE) | 1997 | A new method for estimating R&D in universities was introduced | |
| Function | |||
| Qualification | |||
| R&D expenditure | 1997, 1991, 1987 | 1997: A new method for estimating R&D in universities was introduced 1991: Extramural expenditure is collected separately in Italian R&D surveys and can thus be excluded from the data. 1987: The breakdown of R&D expenditure by type of R&D is based on total expenditure and not current expenditure on R&D. |
|
| Source of funds | |||
| Type of costs | 2019 | A new archive is used to estimate "Capital expenditure" |
|
| Type of R&D | |||
| Other |
1) Breaks years are years for which data are not fully comparable to the previous period.
15.2.3. Collection of data in the even years
Are the data produced in the same way in the odd and even years? If no, please explain the main differences.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
This part deals with any national coherence assessments which may have been undertaken. It reports results for variables which are the same or relevant to R&D statistics, from other national surveys and / or administrative sources and explains and comments on their degree of agreement with R&D statistics. The education statistics (UNESCO/OECD/Eurostat (UOE)) include R&D expenditure in tertiary educational institutions and follow the recommendations of the Frascati manual regarding the definition of R&D expenditure. Due to the differences in the coverage some differences in the two datasets (UOE questionnaire and the R&D HES surveys) are expected. However, there is a need to ensure that a harmonised approach is used for compiling data in the two domains. The two statistical domains should aim for a consistent use of R&D coefficients for splitting teaching and research time.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not requested.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Data are yearly used by the SNA in their calculations.
15.3.3. National Coherence Assessments
| Variable name | R&D Statistics - Variable Value | Other national statistics - Variable value | Other national statistics - Source | Difference in values (of R&D statistics) | Explanation of / comments on difference |
| There are no other statistics for which data from HES can be compared with | |||||
15.3.4. Coherence – Education statistics
N/A
15.4. Coherence - internal
See below.
15.4.1. Comparison between preliminary and final data
This part compares key R&D variables as preliminary and final data.
| Total R&D expenditure – HERD (in 1000 of national currency) | Total R&D personnel (in FTEs) | Total number of researchers (in FTEs) | |
| Preliminary data (delivered at T+10) | |||
| Final data (delivered T+18) | |||
| Difference (of final data) |
15.4.2. Consistency between R&D personnel and expenditure
| Average remuneration (cost¨in national currency) | |
| Consistency between FTEs of internal R&D personnel and R&D labour costs (1) | N/A |
| Consistency between FTEs of external R&D personnel and other current costs for external R&D personnel (2) | N/A |
(1) Calculate the average remuneration (cost) of individuals belonging to the internal R&D personnel, excluding those who are only formally ‘employees’ (university students, grant holders, etc.).
(2) Calculate the average remuneration (cost) of individuals belonging to the external R&D personnel (FTEs/other current R&D costs for external R&D personnel).
The assessment of costs associated with a statistical product is a rather complicated task since there must exist a mechanism for appointing portions of shared costs (for instance shared IT resources and dissemination channels) and overheads (office space, utility bills etc). The assessment must become detailed and clear enough so that international comparisons among agencies of different structures are feasible.
16.1. Costs summary
Restricted from publication
16.2. Components of burden and description of how these estimates were reached
| Value | Computation method | |
| Number of Respondents (R) | Not applicable |
|
| Average Time required to complete the questionnaire in hours (T)1 | Not applicable | |
| Average hourly cost (in national currency) of a respondent (C) | Not applicable | |
| Total cost | Not applicable |
1) T = the time required to provide the information, including time spent assembling information prior to completing a form or taking part in interview and the time taken up by any subsequent contacts after receipt of the questionnaire (‘Re-contact time’)
17.1. Data revision - policy
Not requested.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Not requested.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested.
18.1. Source data
Several separate activities are used for the collection of raw data or pre-compiled administrative data and statistics related to R&D. For simplicity, we call them surveys irrespective of whether they are sample surveys, censuses, collections of administrative data/pre-compiled statistics. This section presents the names of the surveys by sector of performance as well as methodological information for each survey. Depending on the type of survey and sector of performance, only the sections corresponding to that survey and sector are filled in.
18.1.1. Data source – general information
| Survey name | Estimate of universities research and development activities |
| Type of survey | Collection of administrative information |
| Combination of sample survey and census data | - |
| Combination of dedicated R&D and other survey(s) | - |
| Sub-population A (covered by sampling) | - |
| Sub-population B (covered by census) | - |
| Variables the survey contributes to | - |
| Survey timetable-most recent implementation | - |
18.1.2. Sample/census survey information
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |
| Sampling unit | Not applicable | ||
| Stratification variables (if any - for sample surveys only) | |
||
| Stratification variable classes | |||
| Population size | |||
| Planned sample size | |||
| Sample selection mechanism (for sample surveys only) | |||
| Survey frame | |||
| Sample design | |||
| Sample size | |||
| Survey frame quality |
18.1.3. Information on collection of administrative data or of pre-compiled statistics
| Source | Ministry of University and Research |
| Description of collected data / statistics | Pay-rolls of university employees (including professors and researchers); Universities budgets. |
| Reference period, in relation to the variables the survey contributes to |
18.2. Frequency of data collection
See 12.3.3.
18.3. Data collection
See below.
18.3.1. Data collection overview
| Information provider | Ministry of Universities and Research |
| Description of collected information | Pay-rolls of university employees (including professors and researchers) University budgets |
| Data collection method | Transmission of an electronic dataset |
| Time-use surveys for the calculation of R&D coefficients | |
| Realised sample size (per stratum) | |
| Mode of data collection (face-to-face interviews; telephone interviews; postal surveys, etc.) | |
| Incentives used for increasing response | |
| Follow-up of non-respondents | |
| Replacement of non-respondents (e.g. if proxy interviewing is employed) | |
| Response rate (ratio of completed "interviews" over total number of eligible enterprises or enterprises of unknown eligibility) | |
| Non-response analysis (if applicable -- also see section 18.5. Data compilation - Weighting and Estimation methods) |
18.3.2. Questionnaire and other documents
| Annex | Name of the file |
| R&D national questionnaire and explanatory notes in English: | |
| R&D national questionnaire and explanatory notes in the national language: | |
| Other relevant documentation of national methodology in English: | |
| Other relevant documentation of national methodology in the national language: |
18.4. Data validation
The validation activities consist of:
checking the quality of data;
comparing the 2021 data with the 2020 data at macro level.
18.5. Data compilation
See below.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not applicable.
18.5.2. Data compilation methods
| Data compilation method - Final data (between the survey years) | Not applicable |
| Data compilation method - Preliminary data |
18.5.3. Methodology for derivation of R&D coefficients
| National methodology for their derivation. | Joint processing of administrative data from the Ministry of Education, University and Research and data from the ISTAT time use survey 2005. |
| Revision policy for the coefficients | In principle, a time use survey is planned at ISTAT every ten years. |
| Issues that affect their quality (e.g. date of last update, aggregation level at which they are computed, etc). | Since estimates are based on the most recent administrative data with , for almost all the variables, a total coverage of university expenditure and personnel, a good quality of the estimates is expected. |
18.5.4. Measurement issues
| Method of derivation of regional data | The regional data are produced on the basis of the place where R&D is really undertaken |
| Coefficients used for estimation of the R&D share of more general expenditure items | The higher education sector data relies on indirect estimates to determine the proportion of the expenditure and personnel devoted to R&D. Such estimates are based on the use of coefficients to determine the proportion between teaching and research activities to be set against the various headings in higher education budgets and related also to the personnel |
| Inclusion or exclusion of VAT and provisions for depreciation in the measurement of expenditures | N/A |
| Treatment and calculation of GUF source of funds / separation from “Direct government funds” | N/A |
| Differences between national and Frascati Manual classifications not mentioned above and impact on national statistics | |
18.5.5. Weighting and estimation methods
| Description of weighting method | |
| Description of the estimation method |
18.6. Adjustment
Not requested.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not requested.
Statistics on higher education R&D (HERD) measure research and experimental development (R&D) performed in the higher education sector, i.e. R&D expenditure and R&D personnel. In line with this objective the target population for the national R&D survey of the higher education sector should consist of all R&D performing institutional units (including all R&D performers – occasional and continuous, known and unknown - in all branches and size classes) belonging to this sector.
The main concepts and definitions used for the production of R&D statistics are given by the OECD (2015), Frascati Manual 2015: Guidelines for Collecting and Reporting Data on Research and Experimental Development, The Measurement of Scientific, Technological and Innovation Activities, which is the internationally recognised standard methodology for collecting R&D statistics and Eurostat’s European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics(EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics) complements this with guidelines for further harmonisation among EU, EFTA and candidate countries.
Since the beginning of 2021, the collection of R&D statistics is based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197 of 30 July 2020. The Regulation sets the framework for the collection of R&D statistics and specifies the main variables of interest and their breakdowns at predefined level of detail. Statistics on science, technology and innovation were collected until the end of 2020 based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2012/995 concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology.
In Italy Statistics on higher education R&D (HERD) measure research and experimental development (R&D) performed in public and private universities.
31 October 2023
See below.
The statistical unit is the institutional unit as defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1993/696 of 15 March 1993, if there are deviations please explain.
University.
See below.
Not requested. R&D statistics cover national and regional data.
The data values refer to the calendar year.
Accuracy in the statistical sense denotes the closeness of computations or estimates to the exact or true values. Statistics are not equal with the true values because of variability (the statistics change from implementation to implementation of the survey due to random effects) and bias (the average of the possible values of the statistics from implementation to implementation is not equal to the true value due to systematic effects).
Several types of statistical errors occur during the survey process. The following typology of errors has been adopted:
1. Sampling errors. These only affect sample surveys. They are due to the fact that only a subset of the population, usually randomly selected, is enumerated.
2. Non-sampling errors. Non-sampling errors affect sample surveys and complete enumerations alike and comprise:
a) Coverage errors,
b) Measurement errors,
c) Non response errors and
d) Processing errors.
Model assumption errors should be treated under the heading of the respective error they are trying to reduce.
The unit of measure used for the data values of the expenditures is Thousands of euro.
See below.
Several separate activities are used for the collection of raw data or pre-compiled administrative data and statistics related to R&D. For simplicity, we call them surveys irrespective of whether they are sample surveys, censuses, collections of administrative data/pre-compiled statistics. This section presents the names of the surveys by sector of performance as well as methodological information for each survey. Depending on the type of survey and sector of performance, only the sections corresponding to that survey and sector are filled in.
Yearly
Timeliness and punctuality refer to time and dates, but in a different manner: the timeliness of statistics reflects the length of time between their availability and the event or phenomenon they describe. Punctuality refers to the time lag between the release date of the data and the target date on which they should have been delivered, with reference to dates announced in the official release calendar.
See below.
See below.
