Zero Waste Scientific Research Evaluation: The Scientific Research Evaluation System Framework to Stimulate Scholars’ Empathy and Innovation Intention

Abstract

Based on the two-dimensional University Research Evaluation System (URES), this paper aimed to develop a comprehensive and scientific measurement scale and to empirically verify the impact of the URES on scholars’ empathy and willingness to innovate. Grounded in theory, this study analyzed the personal information and interview data of 26 university scholars publicly available online. First, through qualitative analysis (using Nvivo 12 software), we developed an initial scale for URES. Second, we tested the reliability and validity of the scale by structural equation modeling (SEM) using Mplus 8.0 software. The results show that the URES includes two dimensions: research process evaluation and investment output evaluation. The URES scale showed good reliability and validity and was confirmed to be positively correlated with scholars’ empathy and willingness to innovate. Therefore, the URES constructed in this study not only fully stimulates scholars’ empathy and innovation willingness, but also promotes the optimal use of scholars’ knowledge resources. Finally, this research helps to reduce unnecessary educational and political investment, which has important implications for the sustainable development of society.