STI Indicators – Trinidad and Tobago Sharon Parmanan National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST)

STI Indicators – Trinidad and Tobago

Sharon Parmanan

National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST)

Collection of STI Data

Institution responsible: The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST). The Statistical Unit is dedicated to the compilation of science, technology and innovation (STI) indicators. The institution has identified a number of primary sources engaged in the production of STI indicators which have been collated and published.

Collection of S&T DataThe Survey of Science and Technology Indicators has been conducted to

capture manpower and expenditure data on science and technology activities which include R&D and STS (methodology as defined in the Frascati manual).

- Periodicity: annually

- Coverage: government, research institutions, public enterprises and higher education.

- Techniques used: questionnaires are delivered and completion monitored by field staff.

- Response rate: Manpower is above seventy-five percent for research institutions and public enterprises but below fifty percent in the higher education institution.

S&T expenditure - there is a 100% response rate for higher education but a less than seventy percent for research institutions and public enterprises.

S&T IndicatorsTotal Expenditure on R&D 2004 – 2008

Expenditure on R&D 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Total 95.7 115.1 110.6 81.1 72.4Government 52 63.2 56.5 53.2 54.8Business enterprises 22.7 27.9 27.8 1.4 1.4Higher education 21 24 26.3 26.5 16.2

S&T Personnel 2004 - 2008 (headcount)

S&T personnel 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Total 1411 1518 1565 1519 1831Researchers 550 603 690 634 741 Male 337 400 423 393 395 Female 213 203 267 241 346Technicians and Equivalent 358 500 553 483 555S&T Service Personnel 503 415 322 402 535

Researchers by Field of Study - 2008 (headcount)

Field of Study Total Male FemaleTotal 741 395 346Natural Sciences 295 140 155Engineering and Technology 89 69 20Medical Sciences 58 37 21Agricultural Sciences 157 98 59Social Sciences 142 51 91

Main Problems in S&T StatisticsA lack of co-operation from respondents particularly the

private sector, as a consequence of the confidential nature of the data requested, despite the undertaking of confidentiality.

Accounting systems do not generate expenditure on scientific and technological activities separately which in most cases are performed with the same resources used on routine assignments.

Respondents lack the necessary training and information to complete the questionnaires.

Innovation Surveys Undertaken

1. National Innovation Survey of the Food and Beverage Industry in Trinidad and Tobago, 2006

2. Survey of Innovation in the Chemical and Non Metallic Products Industry, 2009

3. Survey of Innovation in the Tourism Industry, 2010

4. Survey of Innovation in the Publishing, Printing and Paper Converters Industry, 2010

Limitations

Low response rate – The response rates for the four surveys ranged from 46% to 63%.

Confidentiality – Establishments were very concerned about confidentiality and were therefore reluctant to divulge information.

Key FindingsThe surveys focused on:

1. Product Innovation: The results of three surveys show that the percentage of firms that introduced a new product ranged from 50% - 61% while 46% - 64% of the firms improved an existing product.

2. Process Innovation: The percentage of firms that introduced a new process ranged from 50% - 61% while slightly over 45% of the firms improved an existing process.

3. Marketing Innovation: The percentage of firms which introduced new marketing techniques ranged from 43% - 69%.

4. Organisational Innovation

Obstacles to Innovation

The main obstacles to innovation were identified as:

1.high cost of the innovation project2.lack of skilled/qualified personnel 3.domestic economic conditions4.lack of financing

Data UsageReports are sent to the government ministries, research

institutions, universities and private establishments and are also available online.

The data collected should:

1. Inform policies and decisions in STI

2. Give insights into developments and trends in STI

3. Assist researchers

Some Suggestions for Improvement

Trinidad and Tobago has committed resources towards indicator production but regional dialogue and co-operation are required in the area of survey methodology.

Other agencies, mainly the private sector, need to recognize

the importance of providing data on science and technology activities.

Thank you!

http//:www.niherst.gov.tt