Indicators in research, technology and innovation (R&D indicators) are an essential tool which guides policy decisions in research and contributes to the formation of a new paradigm for progress. In this respect, EKT in cooperation with GSRT (General Secretariat for Research and Technology) successfully organized the conference "Greek Scientific Publications and Policy Design in Research, Development and Innovation".

The conference topics concerned EKT's current activities for recording research activity in Greece. Specific attention was given to the conditions which should exist so that studies regarding research activity could be best exploited. The conference took place in 2nd May in the National Hellenic Research Foundation. A range of prominent personalities from the country's political and academic community took part in the conference and discussed in the round table which followed presentations.

The aim of the event was to point to significance of relying on indicators in research at a country level as an essential tool in mapping research activity, promoting scientific output and administering policy design.

Among speakers, the General Secretary for Research and Technology, Konstantinos Kokkinoplitis underlined the fact that the systematic mapping of the current conditions in research and innovation are an essential process which not only administers the implementation of policies but also guides their formation. He stressed that policies should take into account the strengths and weaknesses of Greece?s research environment for each given period as well as emerging social needs. The development of sustainable solutions related to mapping and recording research activity allows for policy adjustments in the country?s distinct characteristics and needs. In this direction, it is essential to adopt effective reliable and consistent methodologies for the collection of research data and its dissemination according to the values of open access and transparency in the procedures. Mr Kokinoplitis also referred to EKT's role in the collection and processing of data for the production of indicators in R&D and their exploitation from the General Secretariat for Research and Technology and the National Committee for Research and Technology.

At another level, Professor G. Kalogirou, Head of the Scientific Committee (ESEKT) presented historic information regarding the development of research indicators throughout the years and pointed to the significance of EKT's future activities for mapping research activity and providing results according to the principles of open access to research data.

Dr. Evi Sachini, Head of EKT's Department for Strategic Planning and Development, presented EKT's recent study "Greek Scientific Publications in International academic journals" which is now available online at www.ekt.gr/metrics/report02. The National Documentation Centre (EKT) based on its statutory role for the collection, organization and distribution of scientific information is efficiently using large volumes of documented data, expertise of human resources and modern technical infrastructures to undertake activities related with mapping research activity in Greece. Along with other activities, EKT establishes periodical studies, reports on scientific indicators related to scientific publications (bibliometrics), research activity (scientometrics), the use of informational web data and resources (webometrics) and runs the Current Research Information Systems (CRIS).

Scientific publications -means for distribution of research results in scientific community- are the main resources used when mapping and evaluating research actiivity. EKT carries out a detailed study which records and systematically processes data on scientific publications issued by key institutional bodies and organizations in Greece. The study series "Greek Scientific Publications: a Bibliometric Analysis of Greek Publications in International Scientific Journals" aims to identify the basic characteristics of Greek scientific output during the periods 1993-2008 and 1996- 2010 and to explore Greece?s position in the international scientific landscape. It is the first time that a study series of this scale maps Greek research activity across all disciplines and scientific fields, institutions and public bodies, individual researchers, research teams etc. The study reveals the characteristics of Greek scientific publications, trends and tendencies in research activity at the level of institutions and fields. It also provides information regarding the impact of scientific output and identifies national and multinational networks across scientific fields.

The National Documentation Centre follows a distinct methodological approach, applies advanced validation techniques and develops the software required for the procession and analysis of data. Until today, the study covers the periods: 1993-2008 and 1996-2010. Data for these editions was drawn from the databases of the Web of Science (Thomson Reuters). An edition based on data from Scopus Database (Elsevier) is currently in progress. At a national and international level, a variety of public bodies, research institutions, universities and policy makers have used these studies as a point of reference for future decisions, actions and policy making.

The presentation of the study was followed by presentations which also pointed to the significance of indicators in research at a country level. The study?s results and findings were further discussed in the conference's round table which closed the event.