Methodological approaches for assessing the economic efficiency of scientific research funding

Abstract

This article examines contemporary methodological approaches to assessing the economic efficiency of budget funding for research and development (R&D), based on a comparative analysis of the experiences of the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Korea, China, and Kazakhstan. The study provides a detailed review of key analytical models, including cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis, scientometric indicators, the multiplicative model, patent analytics, and the systemic portfolio approach. The article also analyzes institutional mechanisms for the allocation of public funding for science, with a focus on the main forms of funding. Particular attention is given to the review of R&D audit systems in each country, ranging from the British Value for Money approach to the Korean three-stage evaluation system implemented by KISTEP. In addition, the study also identifies key differences in national approaches and highlights common trends, such as the shift from input-based to impact-based evaluation, increasing requirements for independent expertise, and the growing importance of commercialization of research results. Finally, the article provides a qualitative assessment of the applicability of international approaches to the conditions of Kazakhstan, considering the specific features of its national research system. Based on the findings, the study formulates concrete recommendations for improving the methodology for evaluating the efficiency of R&D funding in the Republic of Kazakhstan.