Structural indicators

Investment in human resources, research & development is essential for developing knowledge and new technology. The EU growth and jobs strategy stresses the importance of information and communication technologies (ICT), and the i2010 strategy for a European information society for growth and employment supports the social inclusion, better public services and quality of life.

Some indicators:

- Persons of the age 20 to 24 having completed at least upper secondary education 
An upper secondary school education is generally considered the minimum for taking part in a knowledge-based society, either for entering the labour market or further/higher education.

- Science and technology graduates by gender  
A secondary objective is to increase the enrolment rate in scientific and technical studies. Europe needs mathematicians and scientists to maintain its competitiveness.

- Gross domestic expenditure on R&D 
Investment in the creation of new knowledge is essential for developing new and improved products and processes.

- Patent applications to the European Patent Office (EPO) 
- Patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 
Innovation and ideas must be adequately rewarded, particularly through patent protection.

- Venture capital investments by type of investment stage  
This measures how obstacles to investment in entrepreneurship are being removed – to encourage a genuine European risk capital market

- Broadband penetration rate   
High-speed internet access is an important factor in productivity growth and stimulating innovation – ensuring Europe stays a leading player in the internet age.

Access to data collection and Quality profile (Q.P)
Titles	Data	Q.P
Spending on Human Resources		(Q.P)
Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) (table frozen, for current data see tsdec320)		(Q.P)
Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) by source of funds		(Q.P)
Level of Internet access - households		(Q.P)
Science and technology graduates by gender		(Q.P)
Patent applications to the European Patent Office (EPO)		(Q.P)
Patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)		(Q.P)
Venture capital investments by type of investment stage		(Q.P)
ICT expenditure by type of product		(Q.P)
E-Commerce via Internet (NACE Rev. 1.1)		(Q.P)
Persons of the age 20 to 24 having completed at least upper secondary education by gender		(Q.P)
E-government on-line availability (table frozen, for current data see tsdgo320)		(Q.P)
E-government usage by individuals by gender (table frozen, for current data see tsdgo330)		(Q.P)
E-government usage by enterprises (NACE Rev. 1.1)		(Q.P)
Broadband penetration rate		(Q.P)
High-tech exports		(Q.P)