Blume, L., Brenner, T., Bünstorf, G., & König, J.
The article investigates spatial implications of the recent shift towards merit-based public research funding in German science policy since the late 1990s. The empirical results presented indicate advantages for regions with an encompassing innovative milieu and larger overall university size. The factors directly targeted by the research funding – excellence and disciplin of the researcher – also contribute to the amount of funding. Since regions with larger universities and intensive innovative milieus are in general regions with higher economic prosperity, the recent shift towards merit-based public-research funding in science policy does not contribute to the objective of regional convergence.
Dr. Johannes König 