Research and Innovation Careers Observatory

The Research and Innovation Careers Observatory (ReICO) is a joint initiative by the European Commission and the OECD, partly funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme. It aims to be the premier source for reliable data and information on careers in research and innovation (R&I). The project's goal is to create a dynamic information hub that tracks and analyses trends in R&I talent, career paths, and mobility in OECD and EU countries, as well as other economies.

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Who we are

The Research and Innovation Careers Observatory (ReICO) will serve as a comprehensive access point for international statistics, analytical tools, and resources focused on research and innovation careers.

During its initial six years, in collaboration with national governments and various stakeholders, ReICO will develop new methodologies, indicators, and insights. Leveraging the OECD's expertise in international statistics and policy analysis in R&I, ReICO will bridge current knowledge gaps and enhance the understanding and application of data and statistics in R&I careers, aiding decision-makers in their strategic choices.

Information brochure (pdf)

The OECD is recognised for its expertise in establishing and applying measurement standards in science, technology, and innovation.
Research careers are a global phenomenon crucial to the future of science and innovation.
This topic aligns with the priorities of OECD members and partners.
The OECD offers a unique platform for collaborative efforts towards a sustainable evidence agenda.

Policymakers: ReICO will help bridge policy gaps and actively support and enhance the evidence-based agenda.
R&I-performing organisations: This includes entities in academia, government, business, and the social sector, recognized as key talent developers and employers.
Individuals in R&I: Those working in research and innovation will benefit as primary data providers, receiving valuable data that informs their career choices.
Statistical offices: As essential partners, these offices will collaborate in developing measurement standards and in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of R&I career data.
R&I research community: Researchers will use ReICO’s data to gain deeper insights into the research and innovation field, contributing to the advancement of knowledge about R&I systems and their effectiveness.

ReICO aims to contribute to international co-operation and dialogue by:

Creating dashboards with standardized statistical indicators, offering a comprehensive and balanced view of R&I talent and careers.
Developing a tailored conceptual framework with the establishment and refinement of key concepts, definitions, and classifications. This effort will utilize existing policy and statistical models while aligning with other emerging frameworks, vital for enhancing global dialogue and cooperation.
Recommending revisions to OECD's measurement guidelines to enhance their accuracy and relevance.
Laying the groundwork for a cooperative R&I Talent and Careers Data and Statistics Action Plan, addressing existing gaps in evidence and data.

The critical role of R&I professionals

At the core of scientific breakthroughs and transformative ideas lies the research and innovation workforce. They expand the frontiers of our understanding but also pave the way for a better future. However, the impact and quality of their work depend not just on their expertise and commitment but also on their overall well-being and work environment.

The contributions of researchers and R&I professionals to address societal challenges are invaluable, standing as the backbone of scientific and technological advancement. As we navigate through an ever-evolving R&I landscape, the need for robust, actionable evidence on R&I talent development, their labour market, and career dynamics, to guide this transformation becomes increasingly critical.

Developing talent: the impact of doctoral graduates

In the domain of research and innovation, doctoral graduates stand at the forefront. OECD countries have significantly increased their investments in higher education over recent decades, leading to a notable rise in the number of graduates, including those with master's and doctoral degrees. The share of doctorate holders in the working-age population climbed to 1.3% by 2022 from 0.9% in 2014, an increase of 41%.

More OECD education statistics

The labour market for researchers: more researchers are working in the business sector

Although not the sole path to research and innovation careers, doctoral education provides specialised training in research competences and to the professionalisation of research careers. Reflecting this, the number of researchers in the OECD has surged from 3.2 million in 2000 to over 5.5 million in 2021, with a significant shift towards employment in the business sector—a trend on the rise across most OECD countries.

More Research and Development Statistics

Insight into the challenges: the working lives of scientific authors

The OECD international surveys of science in 2018 sheds light on the realities faced by scientific authors, particularly regarding employment conditions. The evolving research landscape, coupled with heightened competition for secure academic positions, has led to a precarious employment situation for many young researchers and scientists. This insecurity poses challenges in achieving stable careers in academia, underscoring the need for supportive policies and practices to foster a more secure environment for the next generation of innovators.

OECD International Survey of Science

Related publications

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Working paper

Careers of Doctorate Holders

5 November 2013
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Promoting diverse career pathways for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers

1 September 2023
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Reducing the precarity of academic research careers

20 May 2021
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Building digital workforce capacity and skills for data-intensive science

10 July 2020
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Charting the digital transformation of science

9 April 2020
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The 2018 OECD International Survey of Scientific Authors

9 April 2020