The use of CRIS for scientometrics and for monitoring and evaluation purpose in the field of agricultural science

Data for scientometrics analysis can be extracted from different sources of information, but the most used are the bibliographic databases. Scientometrics data from purely bibliographic databases offer only a partial vision of the science and technological system. Current Research Information Systems (CRIS), databases that contain information on research organizations, on scientists or on current research projects and programs, can complement bibliographic ones in order to provide a more complete and systemic vision of research and innovation efforts. This issue is particularly relevant in agricultural science, a research sector where research activities with local and technological focus play an important role. The aim of the paper is to review some typologies of science and technology indicators, that could be generated from CRIS and specific problems and applications in the field of agricultural research. In order to use existing CRIS in scientometric analysis several problems have to be faced, due to the lack of standardization of the information elements included in the databases. A study on a sample of agricultural CRIS is presented. The data elements concerning project inputs (funding and quantity of personnel involved), record updating, and research results are the less covered topics. As a case study, some elaboration dealing with the evaluation of the Italian national agricultural research program RAISA are presented.