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Do the elite university projects promote scientific research competitiveness: Evidence from NSFC grants

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  • Wang, Yujing
  • Li, Ping
  • Gao, Haoyu
  • Li, Meng

Abstract

This paper contributes to the causal effects of the elite university project on academic productivity, utilizing a comprehensive dataset of research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). We use difference-in-differences estimation to identify the treatment effect of being listed in the 211 Project and find evidence of a substantial improvement in scientific research competitiveness in these universities. Mechanism analyses illuminate the underlying reasons driving this effect, encompassing increased human capital accumulation and government funding, and heightened academic reputation. Our results empirically validate the economic logic behind China’s government-led effort to promote the development of elite universities.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Yujing & Li, Ping & Gao, Haoyu & Li, Meng, 2024. "Do the elite university projects promote scientific research competitiveness: Evidence from NSFC grants," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(10).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:53:y:2024:i:10:s0048733324001239
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2024.105074
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Scientific research competitiveness; Factor flow; National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC); Elite university;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education

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