Science and technology indicators are crucial for monitoring scientific and technological development, and useful for formulating, adjusting and implementing S&T policies. Indicators are normally used to monitor global technological trends, conduct foresight exercises, and determine specific areas of investment.

The main objectives of this exercise will be to:

• Reflect the level and structure of the national efforts undertaken by 15 fifteen countries and assess the trends and developments in S&T;
• identify the challenges faced by different agencies in the economy in conducting S&T activities;
• compare where countries stand internationally;
• propose recommendations for the continued developments of S&T in the respective countries;

For this purpose the project will use the most commonly used indicators on science and technology on an internationally comparable basis. The data may include final and provisional results as well as forecasts established by government authorities. The indicators will cover the resources devoted to research and development, patent families, technology balance of payments and international trade in highly R&D intensive industries, as well as the underlying economic series used to calculate these indicators.

The relevant data will be collected from the relevant government agency through the National Focal Point and the National Research Partner. In order to ensure the consistency and comparability, the methodology used in collecting all the data should be based on the internationally recognised guidelines as put forth by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), otherwise known as the Frascati Manual.

SESRIC has extensive databases on STI-related and other indicators across the 57 OIC member states. Its main statistical database is known as BASEIND (BAsic Social and Economic INDicators). It currently contains data on 255 socio-economic variables under 17 categories for the 57 OIC member states, dating back to 1970. These data are being continually updated in three ways:

• National Statistical Offices (NSOs): the content of BASEIND is regularly updated and enriched essentially on the basis of information collected from the National Statistical Organizations (NSOs).
• International Organisations: SESRIC also works closely with international organizations such as International Monetary Fund, United Nations, World Bank, International Labour Organization and World Health Organization to ensure that its data sets are as complete as possible.
• Open sources: SESRIC also uses relevant open sources especially for data related to articles published, citations and patent applications.