New perspectives and challenges for the design and production of S&T indicators

This paper discusses recent changes in the production of science, technology and innovation indicators, linked to wider changes in the research and innovation system, but also to the transition from a centralised to a distributed intelligence system. The emerging needs require a change of rationale from an input/output to a positioning indicators framework, focusing on flows and linkages between actors in the innovation system. Further, we look at changes in the production systems for indicators and at structural limitations which don’t allow addressing the double challenge of developing innovation in indicators and of consolidating their production. We conclude with some proposals of measures at the European level to address these challenges.