The need to identify and develop thematic indicators of science, technology and innovation: A case study: the field of vaccines and biological products

The purpose of this study is to explain the need to identify and develop thematic and specific indicators of science, technology and innovation in the field of "vaccines and biological products". Research

The library and document method has been used. This research was conducted in three consecutive stages as follows: 1. All general and thematic upstream documents related to the country were reviewed in order to realize the importance of vaccines and biological products and to extract goals, indicators and programs related to this field; 2. In order to identify the main activities of science, technology and innovation in the field of manufacturing and development of vaccines and biological products, the relevant information sources were reviewed. 3. Finally, science, technology and innovation activities in this field were compared with existing indicators to determine the response rate of existing indicators to monitor and surveillance activities and programs in this field.

All upstream documents have emphasized the importance of science, technology and innovation and the need to monitor, evaluate and measure it in the field of vaccines and biological products. Previous research has found only two very general indicators in the field of vaccine science and technology and biological products. The main activities extracted from the reference and reliable specialized information sources in the field of vaccines and biological products were more than 100 cases.

The structure and content of all upstream documents include general and macro orientations, policies, requirements and indicators. Therefore, there was not enough opportunity or necessity to pay attention and to describe in more detail the indicators of science, technology and innovation required by each of the thematic and important scientific sections, including very important, pivotal and strategic sections such as "vaccines and biological products" in these documents. Using only 2 very general indicators, it is not possible to evaluate and monitor more than 100 main activities in this field. The vaccine and biological products sector of the country also seeks to develop specific indicators of science, technology and innovation in order to achieve alignment with other sectors and in order to achieve the goals of upstream documents. Overall, the existing and macro indicators of science, technology and innovation do not meet the need for continuous evaluation, monitoring and evaluation of activities in the field of "vaccines and biological products". Therefore, it is necessary to identify and develop specific indicators in this area.