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New Players, Different Output? A Longitudinal Analysis of Research Dynamics at German Public and Private Universities

Author

Listed:
  • Stefan Buechele

    (University of Kassel, INCHER and Institute of Economics)

  • Matthias Huegel

    (University of Kassel, INCHER and Institute of Economics)

  • Valon Kadriu

    (University of Kassel, INCHER and Institute of Economics)

  • Johannes Koenig

    (AB Institute for Employment Research, University of Kassel, INCHER and Institute of Economics)

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of the German university system, focusing on the competition between public and private universities and the impact of institutional boundaries. Utilizing concepts from organizational, institutional, and competition theory, we conceive a framework to explore university input and output measures over two decades. We find that public universities have larger faculties and greater access to public funding, while private universities are more market-oriented and exhibit faster growth in research productivity. Despite their initial disadvantages, private universities have outpaced public universities in publication quantity and quality since 2010. Our research indicates that both types of universities have led to a form of institutional isomorphism, converging in strategies for publication and recruitment, though not in funding.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Buechele & Matthias Huegel & Valon Kadriu & Johannes Koenig, 2025. "New Players, Different Output? A Longitudinal Analysis of Research Dynamics at German Public and Private Universities," MAGKS Papers on Economics 202506, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).
    • Handle: RePEc:mar:magkse:202506
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Buenstorf, Guido & Koenig, Johannes, 2020. "Interrelated funding streams in a multi-funder university system: Evidence from the German Exzellenzinitiative," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(3).
    2. Philippe Aghion & Mathias Dewatripont & Caroline Hoxby & Andreu Mas-Colell & André Sapir, 2010. "The governance and performance of universities: evidence from Europe and the US [Distance to frontier, selection, and economic growth]," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 25(61), pages 7-59.
    3. Malerba, Franco & Orsenigo, Luigi, 1996. "The Dynamics and Evolution of Industries," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 5(1), pages 51-87.
    4. Hottenrott, Hanna & Thorwarth, Susanne, 2010. "Industry funding of university research and scientific productivity," ZEW Discussion Papers 10-105, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    5. Bo Carlsson, 2016. "Industrial Dynamics: A Review of the Literature 1990--2009," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(1), pages 1-61, January.
    6. Braun, Dietmar, 1998. "The role of funding agencies in the cognitive development of science," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 27(8), pages 807-821, December.
    7. repec:oup:ecpoli:v:25:y:2010:i::p:7-59 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. Hübner, Malte, 2012. "Do tuition fees affect enrollment behavior? Evidence from a ‘natural experiment’ in Germany," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(6), pages 949-960.
    9. repec:bla:ecpoli:v:25:y:2010:i::p:7-59 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Carlsson , Bo, 2016. "Industrial Dynamics: A Review of the Literature 1990-2009," Papers in Innovation Studies 2016/3, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Private Universities; Public Universities; Performance Analysis; Publication Outcome; University System; Competition;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • L20 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - General
    • J40 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - General

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