Innovation metrics for Australia

Abstract

For decades, innovation metrics have concentrated on ‘traditional’ indicators such as R&D and patents. Although useful, these indicators fail to capture the diversity and complexity of innovation processes, particularly in the majority of sectors where innovation rarely requires R&D. Innovation surveys, such as the innovation section of the Australian Business Characteristics Survey, provide the opportunity to construct innovation metrics that can substantially deepen our understanding of R&D and related activities and broaden our understanding of other types of innovative activities.