Performance-based research funding in EU Member States--a comparative assessment

Performance-based research funding (PBRF), the allocation of institutional funding on the basis of
ex post assessments of university research performance, has been implemented in a large number
of EU Member States. However, the characteristics of this funding scheme differ widely. Apart
from differences in the volume of funding, there are major variations in the assessments that feed
into the funding allocation formula. Even within the two main groups of metrics based and peer
review-based assessments the approaches adopted vary. Some of the main strengths and drawbacks
of the various options are discussed in this article. An analysis of national Global Budgetary
Allocations for R&D data reveals the distribution of project and institutional funding and the potential
for PBRF. Given the heterogeneity of performance-based funding approaches, a comprehensive
comparative assessment of the funding involved in this instrument requires further work.
Nonetheless Member State governments can engage in institutional learning from good practices