The total number of applications for patents is an indicator of companies' innovation effort. Specifically, those focusing on societal challenges measure the level of application of technology related with the environment and health.
What are the possibilities for innovative ideas reaching the market in each country? In 2014, Sweden was the European Union country with the highest transfer of innovation to the market, whereas Portugal occupied the opposite position.
This index allows comparison of the level of innovation in different regions. Measuring variables such as infrastructures, business activity or tangible results, it shows that in Spain there is still much work to be done.
How much do countries invest in R&D? In more dynamic economies, the business sector is the major funder, whereas in Southern Europe, the governments lead investment.
We interview Lee Rainie and Cary Funk, the heads of Internet, Science and Technology research at the Pew Research Center, the USA’s most prestigious fact tank.
Andrea Saltelli, researcher at the University of Bergen and at ICTA (Autonomous University of Barcelona - UAB);
"What purpose does science serve in current times? Is it for the common good or for the benefit of just a few? Science needs to learn humility and be prepared to admit it when a solution cannot be given.” Andrea Saltelli, researcher at the University of Bergen and at ICTA Barcelona, talks about the current crisis affecting science and its possible solutions.
Ismael Ràfols, Ingenio (CSIC-UPV), Universitat Politècnica de València; Alfredo Yegros, University of Leiden (Netherlands);
How can we ensure that biomedical research is aligned with social needs? This article from the Social Observatory of “la Caixa” analyses how resources could be assigned efficiently.
Public investment in R & D is one of the pillars of knowledge-based economies. How can we ensure that this effort is applied intelligently? What do governments need to know to support the investments with greater social return?