This paper investigates the potential congruence between research and innovation intensity in a country and the role society plays in the adoption and dissemination of scientific results. Using descriptive reports it tries to quantify certain variables and finds a significant degree of coincidence between the two. This, however, does not indicate any causal relationship but suggests that a systematic exercise of this type is feasible and may lead to the creation of valuable time series that can form solid evidence for policy in the future and create an interesting database for further research and policy-making. Countries that rank higher in their ‘science in society’ performance compared to their innovation ranking may be used as models for imitation. Furthermore, the rating process indicated that there are significant differences between European member states but there is at least a minimum involvement in every country.