The information base of the science, technology and innovation policy – Decisions: on what basis?

The implementation of the European Research Area raises several new questions not only for Europe as a whole, but also for the shapers of the Hungarian science, technology and innovation (STI) policy. Policy-makers expect to receive assistance in answering these questions from the intelligent tools designed to support the development of the STI policy. The so called intelligent tools include technology forecasting, impact assessment studies, evaluations and indicators. A special feature of the indicators is that they exist not only as independent tools, but also as indispensable aids for the application of the other tools.