Measurement of R&ampD personnel: Persons employed and external contributors

This chapter provides guidance on defining, identifying and measuring research and experimental development (R&ampD) personnel, the people who perform R&ampD, the highly trained scientists and engineers (researchers), technicians with high levels of technical experience and training, and supporting staff who contribute directly to carrying out R&ampD projects and activities in R&ampD-performing statistical units. A distinction is made between internal R&ampD personnel, those employed by the statistical unit, and external R&ampD personnel. The activities that characterise R&ampD personnel are listed. Definitions are provided for R&ampD personnel, external R&ampD personnel, researchers, technicians and equivalent staff, other supporting staff, full-time equivalent (FTE) of R&ampD personnel, and the headcount (HC) of R&ampD personnel. The role of doctorate and master’s students as R&ampD personnel is discussed. Examples are provided to assist in making decisions about who are to be included as R&ampD personnel and who not. The resulting statistics on the number, availability and demographic characteristics of human resources that contribute to R&ampD activities are used by researchers and by policy makers concerned with the sustainability of the R&ampD enterprise.