R&D Efficiency Evaluation on Innovation Entities in China: The Use of DEA Model

This paper carries out a comparative analysis on three innovation entities of the national innovative system (namely, enterprise, university and government research institute) and evaluates their R&D efficiency from 1998-2006, by using the Data Envelopment Analysis method. The empirical results show that the R&D efficiency of enterprises is relatively invalid given the high R&D input, and its return to scale decreases; The R&D efficiency of higher educational institutions appears to be relatively valid since 2001; and The R&D efficiency of scientific research institutes is also relatively valid after the transformation of the research institutes. Based on the research results, suggestions are put forward to the innovation entities and the Chinese government in regard to the enhancement of the R&D efficiency and the national innovative system.