The register is updated every second year. The source of the doctoral degree statistics is NIFU's Norwegian doctoral degree register, which is updated twice a year. Data concerning innovation are extracted from Statistics Norway's survey on innovation. This database contains worldwide publication and citation statistics. Patent statistics are obtained from the STEP-group and the Norwegian Patent Office.
Applied research is also original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge.
It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective. The PNP Sector is rather small in Norway and is included in the Government Sector. The Institute Sector had no growth. The total innovation costs in the Industry Sector amounted to 24 billion NOK in 1997. The number of doctorates conferred from 1997 to 1998 has increased.