Science and technology indicators: a framework for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Summary form only, as given. Planning and managing science and technology (S&T) systems requires quantitative and qualitative information that can aid in making decisions. The type of information needed for this endeavor varies widely, but in general they are mostly measures of inputs and outputs of the system. These measures are referred to as science and technology indicators. S&T indicators are used widely by UNESCO, OECD, governments, and many other agencies concerned with setting policies and monitoring S&T. This paper discusses some of these S&T indicators, specifically ones defined and used by OECD. The author then proposes the ones which are believed to be suitable for adoption by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Since, OECD member countries are developed and industrialized, they could serve as a benchmark to which other developing countries could use in advancing their S&T systems. Adopting OECD defined and used indicators and then comparing the results with OECD member countries, might enable KSA to identify shortfalls in strategic areas of its S&T system. This would greatly aid KSA S&T planners in focusing their attention to strategies and policies, which could narrow the gap between it, and OECD countries