S&T Indicators for Policy Making in a Changing Science-Society Relationship

Abstract

This paper suggests that an understanding of the changing science– technology–innovation régime can provide a new role for necessarily imperfect S&T indicators. It is argued that it is precisely to the extent which they are questionable that S&T indicators can fulfil their role as mediator and S&T arena decision making instruments. Such a role of S&T indicators is highlighted by initiatives of benchmarking for public policy design and improvement, as shown by recent reports from the European commission and OECD. Finally, it is argued that it has implications for the work and responsibilities of the S&T indicators specialists.