Influence of research funding and science policy on university research performance: A comparison of five countries

The ability of universities to efficiently produce high-standard knowledge has become an important goal in science policies of many developed countries. Thus, many countries nowadays steer universities based on performance monitoring and competition. This article analyzes the connection between the...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science & public policy 2009-07, Vol.36 (6), p.419-430
Main Authors: Himanen, Laura, Auranen, Otto, Puuska, Hanna-Mari, Nieminen, Mika
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Comparative analysis
Comparative government
Competitiveness
Developed countries
Educational policy
Finance
Knowledge management
Organizational effectiveness
Research financing
Science policy
Scientific research
Universities
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The ability of universities to efficiently produce high-standard knowledge has become an important goal in science policies of many developed countries. Thus, many countries nowadays steer universities based on performance monitoring and competition. This article analyzes the connection between the competitiveness of the university funding environment and research performance in five OECD countries in 1987–2006. Besides funding, other science policy factors are analyzed using the framework of four state steering models. Results indicate that the university funding environment has become more competitive in all the compared countries, but the extent and pace of this development varies. Countries also differ in relation to steering models but all have employed policy elements typical of at least two models. In terms of competitive funding environment and research performance, there is no straightforward relationship between the two. With reference to the state steering models, the most traditional model which emphasizes university independence from the state seems to be the most beneficial to research performance.
ISSN:0302-3427
1471-5430
DOI:10.3152/030234209X461006