Methods and data
NIFU's research is interdisciplinary and is carried out by combining several data sources, methods and professional perspectives. Below are described the methodological approaches to data collection and analysis that are used in NIFU's research, and where NIFU's researchers have particular expertise.
Statistics and indicators
NIFU has a broad overview and in-depth knowledge of Norwegian and international statistics in our subject areas. The institute also works closely with Statistics Norway in projects where it is relevant.
Survey data and survey expertise
NIFU has carried out and is carrying out a number of surveys in the area, including R&D statistics (now Statistics Norway), the Candidate Surveys, the Employer Surveys and a number of individual surveys. The institute has good access to data and a high level of expertise in carrying out and analyzing surveys.
Registry data and linked data sets
In recent years, NIFU has acquired and developed linked datasets for the analysis of careers in working life. Blue. have we linked business data, employment data, education data, R&D statistics etc. In addition, there is our familiarity with and access to research staff data and the new Recruitment Monitor.
Application and tool data
Application and instrument data is a source that NIFU has used in a number of contexts. This includes, among other things, application and project databases at the Research Council of Norway, the EU's ECORDA database, the state budget analyzes and Statistics Norway's policy database. We also have experience in connecting such data to other data sources.
Bibliometry
Studies of scientific publishing, citation and publication collaboration have long been one of NIFU's special areas. This bibliometric research has been closely linked to policy and indicator development and at the same time active in the international research front. NIFU also has access to world data and expertise to analyze this. read more here.
Knowledge summary
NIFU has extensive experience and expertise within systematic knowledge overviews. The products include i.a. "systematic reviews" "Rapid reviews" "qualitative evidence synthesis" and "scoping reviews". Knowledge summaries and bibliometrics are now also connected through a strategic initiative Read more here.
Document analysis
NIFU has extensive experience in analyzing various documents, including analysis of reforms and management documents, strategic documents, as well as other forms of text-based data. The researchers here have extensive experience with various forms of thematic analysis.
Interview methodology
NIFU has extensive experience with various forms of interviews with both individuals and groups. The researchers here also have experience with different types of interviews (semi-structured/open, different groups of informants), and the use of interviews in evaluation work.
Econometrics
NIFU has broad expertise in quantitative methods that can reveal causal relationships based on register data. Including "matching", natural experiment, differences-in-differences, instrument variable and randomized controlled experiments.
Future methodology
In 2021, NIFU in collaboration with the University of Stavanger was awarded a UNESCO chair in management and innovation. As part of this, several researchers at NIFU have gained experience with Futures literacy as a method, and how this can be used in the face of major societal challenges, nationally and internationally.