ALPSP full members now have free access to the OECD Research and Development Databases. In the world of science and technology, knowing where R&D money is flowing and the trends in R&D employment can significantly impact the strategy of companies - including publishers - who serve the R&D sector. These databases provide detailed information on R&D activities in OECD countries and beyond, both in terms of where the money is coming from (government, private sector) and who is performing the work (government, industry, higher education). Two databases are available.

The first, Main Science and Technology Indicators, provides, twice a year, the most recent available annual data on R&D expenditure and personnel by sector: government, higher education, industry, and non-profit. It also provides data on R&D expenditure by foreign affiliates, patents applied for and granted, and the technological balance of payments. Figures on expenditure are given in dollars, at current and constant prices, and as a percentage of GDP. Employment is shown for total and for women. 29 of the 30 OECD countries are covered, as well as Argentina, China, Israel, Romania, Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovenia, and Chinese Taipei, for the period 1981 onwards.

The second database, Research and Development Statistics, breaks down the information to a much finer level of detail, showing expenditure and employment by industrial sector and field of science. In addition, expenditure is broken down by type of cost, and employment by type (researcher or support staff) and qualification of employee. Expenditure data are provided in national currencies and in US dollars. All OECD countries are covered from 1981 onwards.

The reports are also available for purchase via the OECD Bookshop (link)