Efficiency evaluation of S&T resource allocation using an accurate quantification of the time-lag effect and relation effect: a case study of Chinese research institutes

Efficiency evaluation is a significant means of judging the allocation quality of science and technology (S&T) resource. In reality, the process of S&T resource allocation is accompanied by the time-lag effect and relation effect, and the effect differences among research institutes are obvious. In this study, we attempt to conduct efficiency evaluation of S&T resource allocation in Chinese research institutes using an accurate quantification of the time-lag effect and relation effect. A hybrid model for efficiency evaluation is designed, where the vector autoregression (VAR) model and the output revision model are adopted to quantify the time-lag effect and relation effect, and an extended super-efficiency data envelopment analysis (SE-DEA) model is proposed to conduct efficiency estimation under the quantified effects. Subsequently, a quantitative case study is conducted based on 30 sample institutes in the Chinese Academy of Sciences using statistical data from 1992 to 2014. The results indicate that the time-lag effect of each institute varies with the forms of outputs owing to the difference of individual transformation capability. The relation effect of each institute varies with the allocation proportions of inputs owing to the difference of individual developmental orientation. Compared with other methods, the proposed hybrid model can not only determine a discriminative ranking of the sample institutes, but also clarify the strengths and weaknesses of each institute. These main findings are beneficial for decision makers of sample institutes to realize the overall optimization of S&T resource allocation from the aspects of capability promotion, resource adjustment, and efficiency improvement.