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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. 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.
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    3. 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).
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    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.
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    Keywords

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    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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