NSF to ‘reimagine’ science and engineering indicators with thematic reports

Each year, the National Science Foundation releases a report on Science and Engineering Indicators, a voluminous compilation of data and analysis that looks at metrics which are particularly relevant to the field of technology-based economic development. Beginning in 2020, future versions of Indicators could look very different from their predecessors, according to a presentation by NSF program director Beethika Khan.

The current version of the Indicators report includes an overview chapter, the Digest, and eight topical chapters, which are produced and delivered simultaneously, and later accompanied by policy-related documents. The re-imagined Indicators report would similarly provide an overview-like summary report on the state of the science and engineering enterprise, but would also be accompanied by eight thematic reports, as well as special, one-off reports on emerging issues, and similar policy companions. The eight thematic reports are not tied to a statutory date, would be “policy relevant and neutral,” and would serve as concise and more targeted versions of the topical reports featured in previous Indicators issues.