PISA and TIMSS science score, which clock is more accurate to indicate national science and technology competitiveness?

Abstract

In 2015, PISA and TIMSS are coming up to us together. In this study, the data from PISA and TIMSS are used to investigate that which one is a better indicator of national science and technology (S and T) competitiveness? Number of S and T journal articles (per million people) is used as a measure to represent the national S and T competitiveness. Average IQ of the population, research and development (R and D) expenditure (% of GDP) and number of R and D researchers and technicians which affect the national competitiveness in S and T were also investigated. The study shows that PISA science scores would more significantly indicate national S and T competitiveness than TIMSS. Moreover, the study also shows a strong link between competence in S and T and IQ, research and development expenditure (% of GDP) or number of research and development researchers and technicians. Some possible micro-foundations of these relationships are discussed, and policy implication is clear.