Performance evaluation of R&D organisations: an Asian perspective

Abstract Asian countries have enhanced their innovation capabilities through the advancements in science, technology and innovation with skilled workers and R&D institutions. Regardless of the investments made in R&D, a country’s objective of nurturing economic growth might not be fulfilled if R&D resources are used inefficiently. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and compare the R&D performance of Asian countries divided into two groups based on a threshold expenditure of 1% of GDP on R&D. Using an output-oriented DEA model, the study finds that five countries (Bahrain, Armenia, Oman, Georgia and Vietnam) in the first group and two countries (Singapore and Israel) in the second group are operating in the efficiency frontier. The study also reveals the relevance of parameters such as ‘ease of doing business’ strategies, regulatory policies, trade policies, industry academia collaboration, strategic collaboration between nations and public and private partnership on R&D efficiency.