UNU-MERIT Working Papers Series
Measuring innovation in all sectors of the economy
Fred Gault #2015-038This paper reviews the history of measurement of innovation using
definitions in three editions of the Oslo Manual. It then draws on work
on innovation in the public sector and innovation by households to
generalise the Oslo Manual definitions for application in all sectors of
the economy, as defined in the 2008 Manual for the System of National
Accounts. The generalised, or meta-definitions are then discussed in the
context of each sector and linked to current literature. Finally, the
role of measurement in policy learning is considered as well as the
importance of innovation indicators for the development, monitoring and
evaluation of innovation policy across the economy.
JEL Classification: C82, O30, O31, O38, Z18
Key words: Innovation indicators, definitions of innovation, system of national accounts, policy learning, statistical measurement
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