DEFINE thematic report: performance-based funding of universities in Europe

Higher education institutions across Europe today face a challenging and complex financial situation in which traditional modes of funding have been transformed and continue to evolve. Moreover, public sources in many countries are not as generous as they were in the past and often have become more demanding and competitive. The changes are particularly significant in Europe due to the traditional reliance of universities on public funding. The current economic and financial crisis has exacerbated even further these problems, with growing pressures upon the sustainability of funding...  [+] Show more

Higher education institutions across Europe today face a challenging and complex financial situation in which traditional modes of funding have been transformed and continue to evolve. Moreover, public sources in many countries are not as generous as they were in the past and often have become more demanding and competitive. The changes are particularly significant in Europe due to the traditional reliance of universities on public funding. The current economic and financial crisis has exacerbated even further these problems, with growing pressures upon the sustainability of funding regimes of public higher education and mounting pressure to explore new sources of income. The efficiency of funding in terms of the capability to meet certain policy goals in a cost-effective way is becoming increasingly important.

Excerpt from publication.