THE MEASUREMENT OF TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE OF INNOVATIONS BY TECHNOMETRICS AND ITS IMPACT ON ESTABLISHED TECHNOLOGY INDICATORS

It is more difficult, both theoretically and in practice, to record an d analyse the returns from research, development (R&D) and innovation than it is to cover expenditures incurred in such activities. Therefor e, it is suggested to embark on correlated systems of output indicator s of various types and to assess the state of the art in innovative pr oduct groups by direct technology specification measures ('technometri cs') in intimate liaison with patent analysis. Peer evaluation and per sonal expertise are an essential addition to any science and technolog y progress indicator to bridge the inconsistencies and the lack of ada ptation of the indicator systems with respect to reality. As the techn ometric approach is largely based on expert interviews, the technometr ic indicators play a central role in validating any other science, tec hnology and innovation indices. However, technometric time series data are very difficult to obtain and rather costly. A new type of patent indicator is, therefore, introduced replacing direct technology measur es more adequately than most of the established indicators. In the pap er, the suggested indicators are applied to selected leading-edge prod uct groups. Although an outline of the detailed case studies is not po ssible within this paper it is shown that the proposed type of measure ment provides a consolidated and reliable picture of the innovation dy namics in industrialized countries, which can be put to use in terms o f both individual enterprises or research institutions and the nationa l economy.