Methods for Assessing the Economic Impacts of Government R&D
Abstract
Analyses of the actual or potential economic impacts of U.S. Government Research & Development (R&D) programs have used a number of distinctly different methodologies, which, in turn, has led to considerable confusion and controversy. In addition, particular methodologies have been applied with different levels of expertise, resulting in widely divergent impact assessments for similar types of R&D projects. With increased emphasis on government efficiency, the current state of methodology for strategic planning and retrospective impact analyses is unacceptable. NIST has over the past decade conducted 30 retrospective microeconomic impact studies of its infratechnology (laboratory) research programs. Additional microeconomic studies have been conducted of technology focus areas in its Advanced Technology Program (ATP) and of the aggregate impacts of its Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program. In addition, NIST has undertaken prospective (strategic planning) economic studies of technology infrastructure needs in a number of divergent and important industries. From these studies methodologies have evolved for conducting microeconomic analyses of government technology research and transfer programs. The major steps in conducting economic impact studies are identifying and qualifying topics for study, designing an analytical framework and data collection plan, conducting the empirical phase of the study, writing a final report and summaries of that report, and disseminating the results to government policy makers, industry stakeholders, and other interested parties. Based on the NIST experience, this report describes methodologies appropriate for economic impact assessments of Government R&D programs and gives numerous examples of their application to specific studies. Guidelines for interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative results are provided. (9 tables, 5 figures, 35 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417381
Entities
People
- Gregory Tassey
Organizations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology