This report aimed to clarify the concept of ‘reasonable cost’ in the research equipment sector by summarizing the concept of pricing used in various fields such as accounting and real estate and applying it to research equipment. It focused on the basic individual reasonable cost survey method through the estimation methodology of reasonable cost and understanding of the concept of general reasonable cost, which statistically analyzed NTIS registration information. This report also sets one direction in which researchers and review committees could use reasonable cost.

Ⅰ. Review background

Ⅱ. Understanding of reasonable cost for research equipment
1. Price determinants of research equipment
2. Purchase price of research equipment
3. Reasonable cost of research equipment

Ⅲ. Reasonable cost estimation methodology for research equipment
1. Price survey-targeted research equipment
2. Individual & general reasonable cost survey
3. NTIS research equipment price information
4. Statistical analysis of general reasonable cost

Ⅳ. Utilization of research equipment pricing information
1. Utilization of individual reasonable cost
2. Utilization of general reasonable cost

Appendix #1. Meaning of various costs
1. Accounting and tax-related costs
2. Real estate-related costs
3. General economy-related costs
4. Marketing-related costs
5. Foreign terms
6. Characteristics of reference cost

Appendix #2. Reasonable cost-related terms and definitions
1. Cost
2. Reasonableness
3. Option