STI Indicators – Trinidad and Tobago Sharon Parmanan National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Tec

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

2. Collection of STI Data Institution responsible: TheNational 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.

3. 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.

4. S&T Indicators • Total Expenditure on R&D 2004 – 2008

5. S&T Personnel 2004 - 2008 (headcount)

6. Researchers by Field of Study - 2008 (headcount)

7. 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.

8. Innovation Surveys Undertaken • National Innovation Survey of the Food and Beverage Industry in Trinidad and Tobago, 2006 • Survey of Innovation in the Chemical and Non Metallic Products Industry, 2009 • Survey of Innovation in the Tourism Industry, 2010 • Survey of Innovation in the Publishing, Printing and Paper Converters Industry, 2010

9. 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.

10. Key Findings The surveys focused on: • 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. • 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. • Marketing Innovation: The percentage of firms which introduced new marketing techniques ranged from 43% - 69%. • Organisational Innovation

11. Obstacles to Innovation The main obstacles to innovation were identified as: • high cost of the innovation project • lack of skilled/qualified personnel • domestic economic conditions • lack of financing

12. Data Usage • Reports are sent to the government ministries, research institutions, universities and private establishments and are also available online. • The data collected should: • Inform policies and decisions in STI • Give insights into developments and trends in STI • Assist researchers

13. 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.

14. Thank you! http//:www.niherst.gov.tt