Convergence and differentiation in institutional change among European public research systems: the decreasing role of public research institutes

Abstract

In the 1990s two main political objectives have become evident in European public research systems (PRS): a more flexible use of available resources; and strong government action to enhance collaborative networks between the public sector and the users of research results. There are similarities in problem identification from one country to another but problem-solving strategies differ. This paper offers a comparative analysis of this phenomenon for four European countries — France, the UK, Spain and Italy — seeking to ‘operationalise’ convergence and differentiation in trends towards flexibility and collaboration among PRSs. The data used are from the OECD statistics and national country reports that formed part of the European PSR Project. A brief discussion is developed about the dangers arising from the use of flexibility.

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