Challenges and Ambiguities in the Measurement of Innovation: Suitability of Innovation Indicators with Iran Context

Science، technology and innovation (STI) indicators are the most important resources of information for policy makers. The design of favorite paths، without enough knowledge of the current situation or evaluation of previous actions، is impossible. In this way، Indicators are guides and assessment tools. The purpose of this paper is to study of suitability of STI indicators used by policymakers in the Iranian context. First، we investigate the development of STI indicators and standard STI measurement manuals، and then examine the suitability of them relying on theoretical arguments and Iranian policy documents. Despite of the importance of innovation in achieving economic development and the knowledge society، Iranian surveys are more focused on science and technology (ST) indicators and less on innovation ones. STI policy makers are far from firms which are at the center of a systemic approach to innovation. The long history of linear and supply-driven approaches to innovation has had great influence on this insight.