Since 60 years ago, the evaluation and case study of returns of R&D (and the related measuring performance of R&D) were carried out, many researchers and organizations have explored profitably The author introduces the research situation of evaluating returns of R&D at domestic and abroad, from macrolayer and microlayer, and analyzes the existing characteristics of research According to the relationships between R&D activity and innovative country, the methods and systems of evaluating returns of R&D should embody the following two ideas: harmony thought and sustainable development thought