Survey of State Government Research & Development

The Survey of State Government Research and Development (SGRD) provides comprehensive, uniform statistics regarding the extent of research and development (R&D) activity performed and funded by departments and agencies in each of the nation's 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The Census Bureau conducts this survey on behalf of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES). NCSES sponsors surveys of R&D activities of businesses, government, higher education, and other private nonprofit organizations. The results of these surveys provide a consistent information base for both federal and state government officials, industry professionals, and researchers to use in formulating public policy and planning in science and technology. These surveys allow for the analysis of current and historical trends of R&D in the U.S. and in international comparisons of R&D with other countries. The data collected from the SGRD fills a void that previously existed for collection of R&D activities. Although NCSES conducted periodic data collections of state government R&D in 1995, 1988 and 1987, more frequent collection was necessary to account for the changing dynamic of state governments’ role in performing and funding R&D and their role as fiduciary intermediaries of federal funds for R&D. The survey is a census of state government departments, agencies, commissions, public authorities, and other dependent entities as defined by the Census Bureau’s Census of Governments program, that performed or funded R&D activities in a given fiscal year.

The latest form for Survey of State Government Research & Development expires 2029-06-30 and is listed under ICR 202603-0607-005.