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To contribute to the analysis of the situation, evolution and effects of the R+D activity in the autonomous community of Galicia (northern Spain) for the different areas of knowledge is one of the objectives branching from the Consortium of University Libraries of Galicia. To this end, among other necessary actions, we must retrieve data available on scientific output by Galician research personnel, and from there, through the elaboration of indicators, to establish the conditions existing among efforts, disciplines, organisations, territory, etc. For this reason, the Consortium of University Libraries of Galicia took the initiative of promoting an analysis of the state of the art of research in Galicia through the study of scientific indicators, in order to determine the present situation as well as its evolution since the year 1990. The main objective is to measure the situation of Galicia insofar as the generation of new knowledge and its relationship with investment efforts by analysing socioeconomic indicators that describe the situation of the resources invested in R+D; indicators of output that describe quantitative aspects of research activity; indicators of impact, showing the visibility of work within the scientific community; and indicators of collaboration with other Spanish autonomous communities and in the international realm.

Scientific and technical research plays a paramount role in the economic and social development of the most advanced countries. For this reason governments pay special attention to the scientific and technological policies in order to improve Science and Technology Systems. In this sense evaluation processes, both qualitative and quantitative, are very important to know the situation in order to take correct strategic decisions. Moreover, if we add the fact that in the Andalucia region, Spain, the current Plan Andaluz de Investigación (already in its third implementation) is being finished and will be superseded by the new Plan Andaluz de Investigación, Desarrollo Tecnológico e Innovación (Andalusian Plan for Research, Technological Development and Innovation) from 2004 onwards, it seems very convenient to publish the results of the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the Sistema Andaluz de Investigación based on its scientific production. Indeed, this evaluation should be done together with other parameters and indicators that will provide a more complete overview of all the aspects that affect and have influence on that system. As a consequence, with this publication we want to provide a useful tool to the various managers responsible for the Andalusian Science, in order they can take decisions: Research Centres can decide their strategic plans, researchers can reorient or refine their research lines to address topics of higher social impact. Of course, responsible politicians must address the debate to drive within the greatest possible consensus to a widely accepted definition of the new Plan Andaluz de Investigación Desarrollo Tecnológico e Innovación, as an essential tool for the development of the Knowledge Society in Andalucía.

Based on a study of the social responsibility in the most representative Spanish Energy Companies, its introduces a reflection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a strategy that emphasizes its role and potential contribution to the marketing discipline. Using an inductive method, this research has taken as sample the three representative Spanish Energy Companies (Endesa, Iberdrola and Gas Natural) and has focused its investigation in the management of their CSR actions, considering them as part of their public relations programs and paying special attention to their intention. The real possibility to get advantages working in CSR encourages companies to continue on this way.