Science and Technology (S&T) Statistics (General Outline and Plans for the Future)

The article presents the new system of statistical surveys on science and technology (S&T), implemented in Poland since beginning of the transition period on the basis of international methodological standards. A general overview of the current and planned international collective work aimed at developing a new generation of S&T indicators is also given. In Poland, the S&T statistics are collected by the S & T Section of the GUS (Central Statistical Office). In recent years considerable efforts were made to extend the scope of the S&T statistics and improve its quality and international comparability. In this field GUS complies with OECD and EU methodology and legislation, i.e. with internationally agreed recomendations contained in the so-called 'Frascati Family Manuals' and with the new EU legislation adopted in 2003/2004 (Decision No 1608/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology). Some fields of science and technology statistics in Poland, especially R&D and innovation surveys, have very long and rich tradition going back to the early 1960s. This traditions is now blossoming, against the background of a rise in interest in science and technology problems among Polish society and a steadily increasing demand for science and technology statistical data.