How do Russian Researchers Evaluate Grants as a Tool for the Development of Science?

Abstract

The problem under consideration is connected with the active modernization of the research and development sector in Russia, which takes place under existing restrictions. On the one hand, there is a request for scientific and technological sovereignty, increasing the scholars’ responsibility for the social and economic development of the country. On the other hand, the impact of various tools to support the scientists’ activity, these tools affecting their position, reputation and career, is being re-assessed. The article presents data from a 2022 mass sociological survey of grantees (N=1700) from more than 60 Russian regions and more than 80 organizations subordinate to the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. The survey materials showed the significant role of funds’ grant support for the preservation and development of the scholars’ scientific potential, for attracting new researchers, and for creating a competitive knowledge generation sector. The article analyzes the institutional changes in the activities of Russian scientific foundations as perceived by grantees – scientific and pedagogical workers, administrative and managerial staff. There are identified the most acute problems that make it difficult for Russian researchers to receive grants and to fulfill corresponding requirements in today’s conditions. For the first time a mass survey of grantees of Russian scientific foundations was conducted, which allowed identifying the most significant functions of grants: economic function; selective function affecting competition among researchers; symbolic function affecting the reputation of scientists, scientific schools, research teams; positive impact on the development of research competencies, careers of scientists, the scientific potential of the higher school, etc. The empirical base of the article is represented by materials collected within a questionnaire survey. The methods of quantitative analysis and content analysis of the open questions were used to process the research materials. Quantitative data processing was carried out using the SPSS program; materials of open questions were analyzed using methods of generalization and systematization. As a result, there were distinguished the positive effects of grant support over scientists’ research activities, as well as the grantees’ problems to be concerned. The risks of research projects non-completion in connection with the sanctions restrictions imposed in 2022 are analyzed. The results of the study can be taken into account when developing approaches to the formation of a policy for financing scientific activities in Russia, when working out possible directions for further scientists’ support, and when searching for new mechanisms to support young researchers.