National Science Foundation- Sri Lanka

In accordance with the Science and Technology Development Act No. 11 of 1994 of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and under the direction of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Science Foundation has been mandated to carry out National R&D Surveys.

The Science & Technology Policy Research Division (STPRD) of the NSF is responsible to conduct the National R&D Surveys in every two years and develop S&T statistics and indicators based on the data so collected. These S&T indicators are worked out based on UNESCO standards and guidelines.

Scope of the Survey

1. State Sector: Organizations that are involved in R&D activities, S&T activities and other related service activities.
2. Higher Education Sector: Faculties and Institutions that provide education in the areas of S&T.
3. Private Sector: Organizations and Industries that are involved in work related to R&D and S&T activities.
4. Non Government:  NGOs involved in R&D and S&T activities

Purpose of R&D Survey

Most countries make considerable investments in research with the intention of developing national science capability, improving technology capacity, and enhancing economic performance. Therefore, it is important to know the outcomes and the impacts of these investments in order to guide the decisions taken by the Government about the future investments.

Tools for measuring R&D

The S&T indicators can provide a management tool to monitor the national investments in the field of science and technology. They can also assess and forecast future investments needed for stabilizing knowledge based systems. Such indicators are also a valuable tool for identifying and monitoring the progress towards achievements in the priority areas for further investment.

S&T Indicators used to measure R&D

1. R&D Input indicators:

1. The expenditure on R&D activities.
2. Human resources involved in R&D Activities

2. R&D Output indicators

1. The number of publications.
2. Number of patents acquired.
3. Training courses, symposia held.
4. Number of post-graduates produced yearly.

3. S&T indicators may be used for guiding policy insights, viz.,

1. Establishment of proper mechanisms for funding R&D
2. Integration of S&T in the national planning
3. Strengthening the S&T in the country by popularizing, developing communication technology
4. S&T human resource development
5. Increasing S&T infrastructure

Survey Definitions Guidelines

UNESCO and OECD Manuals