Research and knowledge transfer performance in Colombian universities

Abstract

This study analyzes the performance of Colombian universities in their research and knowledge transfer (KT) objectives in the period 2016–2018. The methodology was based on Data Envelopment Analysis models with Variable Return Scale and a Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) using different combinations of variables, considering the sensitivity of performance according to the type of variables used for its measurement. The results allowed us to identify significant gaps in research output among the studied universities. Publications and patents are the main variables that influence these differences in university performance and impact their scores. On the other hand, the MPI analysis made it possible to identify that most of the universities with the most significant improvements in the analyzed period correspond to private universities, and it was possible to recognize the importance of institutional efforts and strategies as an explanatory factor for progress in the performance of universities in the studied objectives. The results obtained formed the starting point for the discussion about the implications of some incentive policies at the national and institutional level for academic production. We also refer to the KT opportunities for Colombian universities and the measures required to promote their development.