High skilled in numbers

Abstract

In this paper we present the trends over the last decade of some of the most significant indicators regarding the attention dedicated to scientific research by the EU member countries. In particular, we consider the number of researchers, both as total number and full-time equivalent, the share of researchers in total employment, the number of graduates and the one of PhDs. We also analyse the differences between the various productive sectors and disciplines. Some of the indicators are compared with the corresponding values of the United States, Japan, China, and the total of OECD countries. While overall for the EU-27 countries there is a substantial increase over time in the percentage of researchers in the active population, the situation is highly differentiated between the different EU countries, even among nations with similar characteristics regarding their research and innovation systems.