ABS 2009 Higher Education Research and Experimental Development (R&D)
Data Collection (2008 data)
Brief Guidelines for ANU Area Representatives
Introduction
This site provides a summary for ANU representatives of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) requirements for the 2009 survey of 2008 Higher Education Research and Experimental Development (R&D) data.
Key Dates
- Monday 18 May 2009 - Information session at 10am in the Rudita Leverington Room, the Chancelry
- Monday 29 June 2009 - Completed forms need to be returned to Sara Rowley in Statistical Services
Quicklinks
To assist you in going directly to what you need, follow the quicklinks below:
Background
Every two years the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collects R&D data from business enterprises, higher education institutions, government and private non-profit organisations. The collected data enable the nature and distribution of Australia's R&D activity to be monitored by policy analysts and advisers to government, businesses and economists. The data are published by the ABS (see 8111.0 - Research and Experimental Development, Higher Education Organisations, Australia, 2006).
The University has been asked to collect 2008 research information for the ABS under the authority of the Census and Statistics Act.
There has been no change to the definition of R&D (see 1297.0 - Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC), 2008). All research carried out by universities and their controlled entities from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008, irrespective of the source of funding, is to be included. Best possible estimates are acceptable when actual figures are not available.
The R&D performed by incorporated CRCs operating within the University campus is to be excluded as it will be collected separately by the ABS. Data for other CRCs will need to be included in returns for the area concerned.
Definitions
This survey conforms to international standards for collection of research and experimental development statistics formulated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), thereby enabling international comparisons of R&D effort. To find out more go to: R&D Definition.
Structure of the Classification
The 2008 Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) was developed to meet the dual needs for a comprehensive description of today's research environment, as well as the ability to compare R&D statistics internationally. The classification allows for research to be categorised by stage of development, methodology and objective. It replaces the Australian Standard Research Classification (ASRC) 1998. Therefore coding from previous data collections can not be reused.
Type of Activity
Four types of activity applicable to R&D are recognised in this classification:
- Pure basic research
- Strategic basic research
- Applied research
- Experimental development
To view more go to: Chapter 2 - Type of Activity on the ABS website.
Structure of the FoR Classification
The ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR) allows R&D activity to be categorised according to the methodology used in the R&D, rather than the activity of the unit performing the R&D or the purpose of the R&D.
The categories in the classification include major fields and related sub-fields of research and emerging areas of study investigated by businesses, universities, tertiary institutions, national research institutions and other organisations.
This classification allows the categorisation of fields of research activity within Australia and New Zealand.
To view more go to: Chapter 3 - Fields of Research on the ABS website. The codes are available via the Contents page.
Structure of the SEO Classification
The ANZSRC Socio-economic Objective (SEO) classification allows R&D activity in Australia and New Zealand to be categorised according to the intended purpose or outcome of the research, rather than the processes or techniques used in order to achieve this objective.
The purpose categories include processes, products, health, education and other social and environmental aspects in Australia and New Zealand that R&D activity aims to improve.
To view more go to: Chapter 4 - Socio-economic Objective on the ABS website. The codes are available via the Contents page (you'll need to scroll past the FoR codes).
Collection Guidelines
A single, coordinated return will be required from each College, covering research activity in all AOUs in the area concerned. This will keep the overall collection exercise within manageable proportions, and enable Colleges to retain control of the quality of their area's input.
To view the Guidelines go to: Outline of Collection Process.
If you have any problems please email Sara Rowley or phone her on ext 53541.
| 
