It comprised three classification schemes; Type of Activity (TOA), Field of Research (FOR) and Socio-Economic Objective (SEO).
Prior to ASRC 1998, this information was collected using a different set of indicators called Field of Research.
The categories in the classification include recognised academic disciplines and related major sub-fields taught at universities or tertiary institutions, major fields of research investigated by national research institutions and organisations, and emerging areas of study.
It consists of discrete economic, social, technological or scientific domains for identifying the principal purpose of the R&D.
The SEO classification uses a combination of processes, products, health, education and other social and environmental aspects of particular interest.