OMB appreciates that the Science Resource Statistics Division (SRS) of NSF and the Census Bureau are making major efforts to redesign this collection, consistent with recommendations from the National Academies. We understand that the redesign may well create a break in series from the Survey of Industrial Research and Development, and strongly encourage SRS to communicate with major data users to set their expectations in this regard as well as to plan for feasible "bridge tables" between the SIRD data and the BRDIS data to distinguish between "actual" changes in the data and changes in the data attributable to changes in the redesigned survey.
Further, we understand that SRS and Census are continuing to make improvements to the questionnaires. We applaud efforts to eliminate the questions already identified as unlikely to produce useful or accurate results, and encourage further efforts to reduce respondent burden and to ensure only questions that will elicit reliable data are collected. Census must submit to OMB, via an amendment to this collection, the final questionnaires prior to fielding them.
SRS and Census will report back to OMB prior to its second year of data collection on the results of the first year. If the results suggest that any substantive changes are required, Census should submit a new clearance package. If the results suggest no substantive changes, SRS and Census should notify OMB of those findings, as well. These findings should include the result of efforts to identify alternative and more timely modes of data dissemination.
Finally, prior to the commencement of each edition of the Business R&D and Innovation Survey forms distribution, the Census Bureau shall provide on its Internet site prominent links to a set of finalized survey forms, including instructions and cover letters, comparable to those provided for the 2007 Economic Census report forms. The final forms and letters shall reflect any changes in the survey year, OMB number and expiration date, and Census and NSF leadership from those submitted for review.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2011
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2011
40,000
0
32,000
155,450
0
70,750
0
0
0
This survey will replace the Survey of Industrial Research and Development. It has been conducted annually since 1953;the U.S. Census Bureau has been
responsible for the data collection since 1957. The survey collected information regarding R&D performance by companies operating in the U.S. In response to the changing environment of R&D and a 2005 report produced by the Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT), the survey has undergone a comprehensive redesign. The redesigned surveyÂwhich will be renamed the Business R&D and Innovation SurveyÂwill aim to collect high quality, relevant, and timely data on R&D activity and Innovation by U.S. based companies within the U.S and worldwide.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form BRDI-1 Business R&D and Innovation Survey
2008 Supporting Statement - Part B.doc
Business R&D and Innovation Survey