A new research classification for a new century

07 Apr '08

2 min read

Emerging areas of biotechnology and nanotechnology research and development (R&D) are among listings in a new comprehensive research classification released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The 2008 Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) was developed to meet the dual needs for a comprehensive description of today's research environment, as well as the ability to compare R&D statistics internationally.

Growing policy interest in areas of energy production, climate change and environmental protection, as well new fields of R&D, led to a need to update the previous classification, the Australian Standard Research Classification (ASRC).

The areas of energy and environment and technology and environmental science have been significantly updated in the classification to reflect growing research interest and R&D output.

Classifications are a tool used by the ABS, as well as others in government, academia and the private sector, to ensure that data on particular topics are consistently described. This improves both data reporting and resource allocation.

ANZSRC 2008 was developed in collaboration with Statistics New Zealand after extensive consultation with the review's Technical Reference Group and other users of the previous classification.

ANZSRC 2008 also meets OECD guidelines and is aligned to the OECD's Frascati Manual, which sets standard practice for surveys of R&D, and the 2006 Fields of Science and Technology classification.

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