One of five datasets that make up the OECD Regional database, regional innovation includes regional data on patent and co-patent by technology (fractional count, by inventor and priority year); R&D expenses and R&D employees; labour force and student enrolment by ISCED level.

The territorial grids (TL2 and TL3) used in this database are officially established and relatively stable in all OECD member countries, and are used by many as a framework for implementing regional policies.