New STI Indicator Book with contributions from VARIO

As can be seen from the Flemish Indicator STI book published last week, the Flemish R&D policy is paying off. The number of scientific publications is for example on the rise. This is also the case for the number of publications involving international cooperation. Cooperation between higher education and other institutions in all sectors increased significantly. The report makes it clear that investments take time to generate relevant output and wealth creation and that it is therefore important to continue efforts and monitor results. It also shows that in terms of R&D investment, Flanders is well above the European average, at 3.65% of GDP. However, the public contribution still requires further efforts. The Indicator Book also points out that the number of patent applications from Flanders is on the rise, with the universities in a strong position. Nevertheless it is important to close the gap between technological strengths and economic benefits, as it is still large in some sectors.

For the sake of an overview, a separate chapter in the Flemish Indicator Book is dedicated to the VARIO core indicators for science and innovation developed by the council in 2020. This new set was included and was updated in this edition.

Three of the files in the new Indicator Book were added by VARIO:

• Evolution of the policy mix between free and thematic support for R&D in Flanders
• Strengthening Flanders’ technology position with regard to patents
• The leaky pipeline at work: women heavily underrepresented as inventors in patents

See also EWI News Release and News Release Statistics Flanders.