8101.0 - Innovation and Technology Update, 2007  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 13/02/2008   
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3 RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS

The ABS is in the process of considering the statistical issues associated with the capitalisation of R&D in the Australian National Accounts (ANA). As part of this process, the ABS is working with other statistical agencies and the OECD to discuss the major issues involved in the changed treatment. It is expected that the revised System of National Accounts (SNA), due to be released in 2008, will include a comprehensive discussion of the concepts and practicalities involved in the adoption of this new treatment. As a result, many statistical organisations around the world will be interested in the progression of ABS work in this area. Naturally, the main data source feeding into the ANA for R&D capitalisation is the ABS' R&D surveys. There are many measurement challenges involved in capitalising R&D, but the ABS in confident of overcoming these and aims to be the first statistical organisation in the world to move to this changed treatment. The Innovation and Technology NSC is working closely with the ABS National Accounts Branch to ensure that this initiative is successful.