2. Measuring the R&D effort and the contribution of innovation to the company's added value

The most widely used indicator is the multi-year monitoring of the "R&D effort or budget/sales" ratio, which, in the eyes of those interviewed, remains a relevant indicator for comparing with peers in the sector, and for assessing the prevailing innovation model and culture. Research and development expenditure is either maintained in relative terms over the long term, despite economic vicissitudes – - this is the case for companies with a genuine culture of innovation and a consistent strategy in this area –- or it is just another adjustment variable in the cost structure during periods of lower profitability – - this is the case for companies with a more fragile or even incantatory culture of innovation.

Another indicator considered fairly relevant is the contribution of new products to sales, generally measured in the case of breakthrough innovations or genuinely...