An Empirical Study On Input-Output Performance Of R&D Fund In Universities

The R&D of universities is an essential part in our nation's system of R&D. The input-output efficiency of R&D fund in universities is a key criterion for evaluating the R&D performance of universities. As a matter of fact, the gaps do exist if we compare the input-output performance of universities both on the provincial level and on the university level. Our research is to construct quantitative measurement on the gaps. Accordingly, this research focused on the following three main objectives: To measure and compare the input-output performance of R&D fund among universities in 29 different provinces quantitatively;To measure and compare the input-output performance of R&D fund among 20 universities directly under the Ministry of Education quantitatively;To analyze the main factors that drive the input-output performance of the R&D fund in universities based on the researches above.It is an empirical study. The data come from a consecutive database, the annual publications of "The Collection of R&D Statistical Material of University" from 1994 to 2003, which included extensive chronological data. Based on Cobb-Douglas function, it conducted linear regressions on the two sets of chronological series data mentioned above and received relevant parameter estimation, which embodies long-term elasticity of input-output of R&D fund in universities.Primarily, this research provided a quantitative description on the input-output performance of R&D system of higher educational institutes. It is helpful for prediction and decision-making. Furthermore, based on the results, it may come to the following conclusions:1) There is some relationship between the R&D fund input-output efficiency of universities and the local level of economy, education and technology. On the one hand, in most circumstances, the linear relationship between R&D output and the fund input is notable in the universities that are located in regions with higher level of economic and educational development and they are more effective in using R&D fund. On the other hand, the linear relationship between R&D output and the fund input is not obvious in the universities that are located in regions with lower level of economy and education. It shows a fluctuant trend. 2) The average R&D fund input-output elasticity of engineering-dominant universities is higher than that of general universities and normal universities evidently. It could be explained by the added benefit from large-scale and specialization.