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 Data The 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 Indicators Total Expenditure on R&D 2004 – 2008

S&T Personnel (headcount)

Researchers by Field of Study (headcount)

Main Problems in S&T Statistics A 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, Survey of Innovation in the Chemical and Non Metallic Products Industry, Survey of Innovation in the Tourism Industry, 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 Findings The 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 project 2. lack of skilled/qualified personnel 3. domestic economic conditions 4. lack of financing

Data Usage Reports 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.

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