Human resources for science and technology: Analyzing competitiveness using the analytic hierarchy process

Abstract Technology plays a key role in a country's competitiveness. Traditional analyses of national competitiveness help to understand a country's competitive advantages, but such analyses do not focus on the advantages derived from technology applications. Equally crucial for the survival and growth of a nation's technology are human resources for science and technology (HRST). Therefore, evaluating the HRST of each nation provides key information and is an important topic for research. Our research is based on 312 items from the competitiveness index given in the 2006 The World Competitiveness Yearbook published by IMD, specifically 23 selected HRST competitiveness criteria. In conjunction with professional opinions and the analytical hierarchy process, we were able to determine HRST competitiveness factors, sub-factors, and criteria weights. We provide extensive coverage of 42 countries and regional economies. We also discuss the performance of various related indexes and provide relevant suggestions.