The “Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Compass” (STIP Compass) is an English-language, international online database run by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and the European Commission (EC). The database brings together selected strategies, framework programs and funding schemes relating to science, research, technology and innovation. Since its launch in 2018, the STIP Compass has been continuously developed. Currently, over 60 countries and the EU are represented in it.

The STIP Compass provides transparency on trends in research, technology and innovation policy and enables systematic analysis on a global scale. For the OECD and the scientific community, the data forms a key basis for numerous internationally relevant specialist publications – such as the “STI Outlook”. The report analyses global trends and policy strategies in science, technology and innovation and assesses their significance for the economy and society.

Comprehensive service package from DLR Projektträger

The National Contact Point (NCP) for the STIP Compass at DLR Projektträger is responsible for entries from Germany – as part of the “International Office” mandate from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). As such, DLR Projektträger, through the German NCP, acts as a key interface between the BMFTR and the OECD. Its tasks include:

• Identifying suitable initiatives and drafting texts to include these initiatives in the STIP Compass
• Coordinating the consultation processes with the relevant federal ministries and supporting research and intermediary organisations
• Populating the database with approved initiatives and carrying out quality controls
• Drafting texts on cross-cutting topics, including national R&I priorities and trends
• Proposals for the further development of the STIP Compass in terms of content and design, and its use

A real asset for international cooperation

Through visualisations and detailed country profiles, the STIP Compass makes it easier to analyse the information provided. Under the “Thematic Portals” section, it also offers insights into current cross-cutting policy topics such as “Research Security”, “STI policies for net zero” or “Space Policy”. Data from the STIP Compass is also used by other organisations such as the EC, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the G20.

The Compass thus not only provides harmonised data on national policy initiatives in the field of research and innovation, but also makes a substantial contribution to European and International Cooperation.