Changing Models and Patterns of Higher Education Funding: Some Empirical Evidence

Abstract

Patterns of diversity in the Swiss higher education system 209 Benedetto Lepori 7 University autonomy and structural constraints in the Italian system 241 Andrea Bonaccorsi and Cinzia Daraio 8 Cost structure, economies of capacity utilization and scope in Swiss higher education institutions 272 Massimo Filippini and Benedetto Lepori 9 The UK knowledge production function 306 Gustavo Crespi v

Explaining poor performance of European science: institutions versus policies

“…With respect to funding, most European governments, with a few exceptions (and to a certain extent the European Commission), maintain a centralised single-layered funding system, in which public funding is channelled mainly through direct allocations, while complementary sources play a limited role (Lepori et al, 2006). The strategic autonomy of universities, although embedded in legislative reforms, is still severely limited in practice (Bonaccorsi and Daraio, 2007).…”

Massification, competition and organizational diversity in higher education: evidence from Italy

“…The introduction of more competitive mechanisms for the allocation of public research funds -which are increasingly assigned on the basis of performance and quality criteria (Geuna 1999;Lepori et al 2007) -has, at least in certain countries, prompted less successful universities to rely on consultancy and contract research for private firms in order to supplement their research income (Geuna 1999). While these innovations in university management and regulations have mainly been introduced in order to reduce the universities' reliance on public budgets, to reward performance and stimulate efficiency, transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, they have also encouraged universities to pursue short-term objectives in the use of funds, and have resulted in more intense competition for resources for education and research (Rothschild and White 1991).…”

Higher Education Institutions’ Impact on the Economy

“…HEIs vary widely in their principal income sources. Institutions may be supported by research funding, contracts, and collaborations with businesses, and/or tuition fees, but a large number of HEIs are also supported by government funds composed of the contributions of local citizens (Lepori, Benninghoff, Jonbloed, Salerno, & Slipersaeter, 2007). Given that many of higher education organisations receive public funding as a primary source of their income, they are subject to public scrutiny and accountability (Daniunas, Kliukas, Prentkovskis, & Ulinskaite, 2013;Viaene & Zilcha, 2013;Kaiser, Vossensteyn, & Koelman, 2001).…”