In this paper we present an overview of available indicators and discuss new elements of analysis, qualitative and quantitative, drawn from the practices involved in the promotion of scientific culture. In this exercise, indicators for scientific culture and literacy were matched with a broad set of data covering S&T, social and economical aspects. For this purpose we have resorted to Eurobarometer data (2001) on the relationship of Europeans (EU15) with science and technology and current socio-economic indicators in the various Member States. Forty-six variables were grouped into sets of composite indicators, which represent eight major dimensions: scientific culture and literacy, Investment in education, Educational attainment, S&T activities, technology diffusion and innovation, economic performance and structure, social and institutional development, and access to information and culture. Cluster analysis grouped countries into four sets whose weaker and stronger aspects are discussed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
