The different responses of universities to introduction of performance-based research funding

Abstract Governments and organizations design performance-based research funding systems (PBRFS) for strategic aims, such as to selectively allocate scarce resources stimulate efficiency. In this work, we analyze the relative change in productivity of Italian universities after introduction a system, featuring financial reputational incentives. Using bibliometric approach, compare performance before PBRFS, at overall, discipline field levels. The findings show convergence universities’ performance, due above all remarkable improvement lowest performers. Geographically, south (vs central northern Italy) achieved greatest performance. methodology, results, should be use university management policy-makers.