Developments in Resource Allocation Policies for Universities – a Comparative European Overview

A Summary of the DEFINE Project Findings

The DEFINE project analysed the use of funding efficiency measures such as performance-based funding, institutional mergers and excellence schemes across Europe. It particularly sought to assess the impact such measures have on institutions themselves, on their teaching and research activities, as well as on their interaction with society and different stakeholders. The paper summarises the results of the analysis for each of the three mechanisms and includes recommendations addressed to both policy makers and university practitioners to enhance related positive effects and mitigate possible detrimental consequences at system and institutional levels.