Indicateurs de la science, de la technologie et de l’innovation au Québec 2020

The Indicateurs de la science, de la technologie et de l’innovation au Québec series is published in thematic fascicles. Its purpose is to present, compare and comment on a selection of recent data to illustrate the situation in Québec with respect to science, technology and innovation (STI) and to report on important developments related to the measurement of STI. It is replacing the Compendium d’indicateurs de l’activité scientifique et technologique au Québec published from 2005 to 2018.

This first fascicle of the Indicateurs de la science, de la technologie et de l’innovation au Québec – Édition 2020 series focuses on measuring innovation. Included is a review of the most recent edition of the Oslo Manual, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Eurostat. The Manual provides guidelines for collecting, reporting and using data on innovation. More than a technical book for statistical agencies, the Manual presents the conceptual framework on which innovation measurement is based and highlights the many aspects of this fundamental phenomenon in the business world. The fascicle also features a history of innovation surveys conducted at Statistics Canada and the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ).

The second fascicle focuses on human resources in science and technology (HRST). The introduction provides explanations on what these resources are and how they are defined for statistical purposes, in particular at the ISQ. Three groups of HRST in Québec are then highlighted: recent graduates at the bachelor’s level or higher, university degree holders, and those employed in professional, technical or paraprofessional occupations. The analysis is based on the most recent data: statistical series up to 2017 for the first group and up to 2019 for the two other groups. Comparisons with Ontario are also drawn.