Benchmarking the provision of scientific equipment

Equipment is critical to the progress of research; therefore its provision is a significant science policy issue. There may be under-investment in equipment relative to other factors of scientific production such as staff. At a European level, inadequate infrastructure is a potential barrier to achievement of objectives, hence its recognition as a theme for the European Research Area. Equipment provision is inherently suited to benchmarking, though the scope of any exercise should be extended from instruments to include the whole policy and service package surrounding equipment. Three approaches to benchmarking are examined: opinion-based surveys; case-studies of matched research groups; and national surveys to a common format. Issues arising from comparison of experience in the UK and Ireland are discussed and conclusions are drawn regarding a possible European approach.