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Public Funding of Research and Grant Proposals in the Social Sciences: Empirical Evidence from Canada

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Abstract

I use Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council data to analyze some of the elements shaping the decision of researchers affiliated with Canadian institutions to apply for public research grants. Relying on panel data methods, I find that researchers show an aversion to the instability of the funding, hence, to the uncertainty in the policy environment. In particular, the volatility of the resources granted and the volatility of the funding probability deter researchers from submitting proposals. I then speculate on the possible consequences of the current funding scheme and on the chances for some recent worrisome trends to revert in the near future.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Cozzi, 2020. "Public Funding of Research and Grant Proposals in the Social Sciences: Empirical Evidence from Canada," Department Discussion Papers 1809, Department of Economics, University of Victoria.
    • Handle: RePEc:vic:vicddp:1809
    Note: ISSN 1914-2838 JEL Classifications: H50,I23,I28
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