Science and Technology Indicators in a Market Driven Economy: A Profile of India, China and Japan

Abstract

Generally science and technology (S&T) indicators are used for mapping of S&T potentials in a country. A perusal of available literature indicates that there is no standard model available so far. Consequently, many models have been developed in different countries suiting to their needs. An attempt is made to evaluate various models available in the literature. A few models which are dealt with in-depth are input-output model of USA, cascade model of Japan, three tier models of Netherlands and European S&T Indicators model. An attempt has been made to suggest a viable model for mapping S&T potentials in a market driven economy. A model is proposed basically on the basis of the following assumptions. Only a robust socio-economic system can support

a sound S&T system. S&T is the engine of an economy. Innovation is a non-linear process. S&T indicators can lead to better decision making. While suggesting indicators, focus is on building up of S&T competitiveness as

it is competitiveness alone that can give edge to a country over the other country. At present, it may not be possible to construct composite indicators of competitiveness. Therefore, an attempt is made to construct structural indicators of economic and scientific and technological competitiveness of India, China, and Japan.