The 2006/07 National Survey of Research and Experimental Development (R&D) is the fourth survey conducted under the aegis of the Ministry of Science and Technology. R&D Surveys provide data, collected under strict conditions of confidentiality, which are essential for planning at system and organisational level, and that furnish key indicators for national competitiveness. The 2006/07 Survey, in common with its predecessors involves the collection of primary data from the public and private sectors. The public sector comprises universities, science research councils and department based research institutes. The private sector comprises firms and not-for-profit organisations. In the case of firms, the number reporting R&D increased by nearly 12%, mainly comprising small R&D performers. As noted previously this increased response is because of improved survey capability and capacity, and the interest and commitment of many organisations and firms that were approached to provide the required information.