1.3 Overview and Analytical Framework.......................
1.3.1 Research Logic..................................
This bookfirst presents the literature review on university research efficiency and
productivity, clarifies the core concepts such as efficiency and productivity, and
some relevant theories, then describes and compares the methodologies in evalu-
ating efficiency and productivity, such as DEA. Furthermore, this book employs
empirical methods to analyze the dynamic trends and determinants of 211Us’
research productivity, aiming to provide rationale for government to establish
performance management system of research project, as well as suggestions for
universities to improve research productivity.
1.3.2 Research Questions...............................
Recently, Chinese government has continuously increased the research funds into
universities, especially those 211Us and 985Us. However, the question is that:
Whether the increase of public expenditure on universities’R&D is accompanied
by the improvement of their research efficiency? Does there exist some waste of
public resources? These questions are worth to be answered and discussed by
researchers. Due to availability of data, we can’t give a simple and direct response
to the question of efficiency of“211 Project”, while in turn, we can examine the
following issues by considering the input–output efficiency of the universities in the
third term of“211 Project”:
- During 2006–2010, how about the status of research input status in 211Us?
- During 2006–2010, how about the status of research output status in 211Us?
- During 2006–2010, whether or not the research input–output is efficient in
211Us? - Among 211Us, is there any research efficiency difference between 985Us and
non-985Us? - Is there any research efficiency difference among 211Us located in different
regions? - What are the key factors affecting research efficiency in 211Us?
- During 2006–2010, how does the research productivity of 211Us change?
1.3.3 Research Content and Analytic Framework.............
Based on the theory of economic efficiency, this book focuses on research effi-
ciency and productivity, and constructs feasible indicator system to evaluate the
6 1 Introduction