1. Purpose and significance of the survey
Innovation is central to improvements in living standards and can affect individuals, institutions, entire economic sectors, and countries in multiple ways. Sound measurement of innovation and the use of innovation data in research can help policy makers to better understand economic and social changes, assess the contribution (positive or negative) of innovation to social and economic goals, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of their policies.
This guideline explains the methodological bases and instruments for conducting the statistical survey on innovations and innovation activities of business entities.
In order to ensure international data comparability, the standard data collection questionnaire (developed by Eurostat and OECD) is used. The methodological concept as a basis for conducting the statistical survey on innovations and innovation activities of business entities is the Oslo Manual 2018 (fourth edition), and the methodology is harmonised with the international definitions, classifications and nomenclatures in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 995/2012.
2. Legal basis
The statistical survey on innovations and innovation activities of business entities is conducted in accordance with the Law of State Statistics ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" No. 54/97, 21/07, 51/11, 104/13, 42/14, 192/15, 27/16 and 38/18) and the Five-Year Programme of Statistical Surveys of the SSO, 2018-2022 ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" No. 20/13, 24/14, 13/15, 7/16, 22/18 and 224/18).
3. Reporting units
Reporting units in the statistical survey on innovations and innovation activities are economically active business entities, selected by a representative stratified sample from the Statistical Business Register. Reporting units that are included in the survey are business entities with at least 10 employees, classified in the National Classification of Activities (NKD Rev.2) in sections B, C, D, E, H, J and K, and divisions 46, 71, 72 and 73.
4. Data collection (time, period and method of conducting the survey)
The statistical survey on innovative business entities is conducted for a three-year reference period that precedes the year in which it is conducted.
The survey was first conducted in 2013 for the reference period 2010–2012, and since then it has been conducted as a regular biennial survey.
5. Definitions and other explanations
5.1 Concepts of innovation
Innovation is a new or improved product or process (or combination thereof) that differs significantly from the unit’s previous products or processes and that has been made available to potential users (product) or brought into use by the unit (process).
Innovative enterprises are all enterprises that during the observation period have introduced product and / or business process innovation and / or have some unfinished and / or unsuccessful innovation activity.
Innovation activities include all developmental, financial and commercial activities undertaken by a firm that are intended to result in an innovation for the firm.
5.2 Types of innovation
1. Product innovation (goods and services)
2. Business process innovation
1. Product innovation is a new or improved good or service that differs significantly from the firm’s previous goods or services and that has been introduced on the market. It includes significant changes to the design of the product or the introduction of digital goods and services, and excludes the resale of new products or small changes in the appearance of the products.
2. Business process innovation is a new or improved business process for one or more business functions that differs significantly from the firm’s previous business processes and that has been brought into use by the firm.