Statistical Survey on Research and Development Activities (2021–2022)

Introduction

The statistical survey on research and development (R&D) activities is conducted every two years and covers the two-year period (2021–2022). Data were collected through questionnaires, using a combined method.

Covered Sectors

• Government sector

• Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

• Private enterprises and NGOs (with 10 or more employees)

Methodological and International Framework

The survey is carried out in all European countries and is based on internationally harmonized definitions, allowing comparability across countries of the region, the EU-27, and EFTA countries.
In Albania, data are collected and produced according to the Frascati Manual (2015) and the European Business Statistics Regulation.

Statistical Unit

The statistical units of the survey are institutions and enterprises that meet the criterion of having 10 or more employees.

Legal Basis

At national level:

• Law no. 17/2018 “On Official Statistics”

• Official Statistics Programme 2022–2026

At European level:

• Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 on European business statistics

• Frascati Manual, 2015

Definitions

• Research and Development (R&D): Creative and systematic work undertaken with the objective of increasing the stock of knowledge—including knowledge of humankind, culture and society—and of devising new applications of the available knowledge.

• Scientific research: Original and creative work carried out on a systematic basis in order to gain new knowledge, including knowledge of humankind, culture and society.

• Experimental development: The systematic application of research findings or other scientific knowledge for the creation of new or significantly improved products, processes or services.

Core criteria for identifying R&D activities:

1. Novel

2. Creative

3. Uncertain

4. Systematic

5. Transferable and/or reproducible

Types of R&D Activities

• Basic research: Experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of observable phenomena and facts, without any particular application or use in view.

• Applied research: Original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective.

• Experimental development: Systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, which is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, or to substantially improving those already produced or installed.

R&D Personnel

• Researchers: Professionals engaged in the conception or creation of new knowledge, products, processes, methods or systems, and in the management of research projects. Doctoral students involved in R&D are also considered researchers.

• Technicians: Individuals possessing technical knowledge and experience in one or more fields (engineering, physical sciences, social sciences, humanities, etc.), who participate in R&D by performing scientific and technical tasks under the supervision of researchers (e.g. programmers, data analysts).

• Other professionals: Employees with tertiary education engaged in professional positions (e.g. librarians, IT specialists, information experts), contributing to R&D activities but not acting as principal investigators.

• Supporting staff: Qualified and unqualified staff involved in R&D or directly associated with it, including administrative staff such as secretaries, operators, etc.