Science, technology and innovation policy

Global Observatory of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Instruments (GO-SPIN)

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are increasingly important for social, economic and sustainable development. Yet the lack of accurate information, adequate indicators and capacities to analyse and monitor policies and instruments is a major development challenge for countries. The Global Observatory of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Instruments (GO-SPIN) aims to fill this information gap.

GO-SPIN is a methodological tool to map national science, technology and innovation (STI) landscapes and analyse STI policies and their implementation. The formulation of effective STI policies is critical for social, economic and sustainable development and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals such as providing water for all, building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation, and combatting climate change. These —as all policies— need policy instruments in order to be effective, such as laws, competitive grants and public subsidies.

The lack of accurate information, adequate indicators and capacities to analyse and monitor policies and instruments is a major development challenge for countries. GO-SPIN aims to fill this information gap by providing key information on STI governing bodies, legal frameworks, policy instruments and long-term series of indicators for evidence-based policy analysis, design and foresight studies.

This open-access platform offers innovative databases with powerful graphic and analytical tools for the use of decision-makers, parliamentarians, universities, knowledge brokers, companies, specialists and the general public, with a complete set of diverse information on STI policies.