Ease of Doing Research (EoDR) : A Methodological Framework for Assessing Ease of Doing Research

Abstract

Why and how do some research institutions perform extraordinarily better and produce path-breaking innovations while others do not ? Are there any key drivers or characteristics that clearly mark out these exemplary centres of excellence ? Why does research productivity differ significantly across institutions ? What are the bottlenecks responsible for the below-average performance by some institutions ? What can research managers do, within the given resources, to create an enabling environment for scientists to produce outstanding and useful research outputs ? These questions are often asked by policymakers, funding agencies and the larger public as the public-funded R&D institutions in developing economies are subjected to greater scrutiny and accountability. Search for answers to such questions are also borne out of the genuine desire to strengthen research institutions and make them the paragons of science.