How to Measure the Performance of a Collaborative Research Center

TL;DR

This paper evaluates research performance in a Collaborative Research Center over time using empirical data, statistical models, and visualization to understand productivity patterns and inform strategic decisions.

Contribution

It introduces a methodology for measuring CRC performance with specific indicators and analyzes temporal productivity changes using fixed effects models.

Findings

Research productivity varies over time after controlling for costs.

Visualization reveals patterns in research output across project life cycles.

Time fixed effects highlight shifts in research activity over years.

Abstract

New Public Management helps universities and research institutions to perform in a highly competitive research environment. Evaluating publicly financed research improves transparency, helps in reflection and self-assessment, and provides information for strategic decision making. In this paper we provide empirical evidence using data from a Collaborative Research Center (CRC) on financial inputs and research output from 2005 to 2016. After selecting performance indicators suitable for a CRC, we describe main properties of the data using visualization techniques. To study the relationship between the dimensions of research performance, we use a time fixed effects panel data model and fixed effects Poisson model. With the help of year dummy variables, we show how the pattern of research productivity changes over time after controlling for staff and travel costs. The joint depiction of the time fixed effects and the research project's life cycle allows a better understanding of the development of the number of discussion papers over time.