AN INTEGRATED COST-PERFORMANCE MODEL OF RESEARCH-AND-DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION

This paper proposes an integrated model of R & D evaluation which link s the cost of research with its various outputs, from proximal or imme diate to the intermediate outputs in the client organizations of the R & D performer. This model differs from previous models in that it con solidates both cost and performance assessment. Indexes of cost-perfor mance are constructed, for each category of output, and as a measure o f productivity per scientist and engineer engaged in research. The ind exes proposed in this model reflect the relative cost-effectiveness of the R & D activity throughout a substantial portion of the innovation process. As a comprehensive and integrated model, it transcends the l imitations of immediate outputs utilized by other models. The model al lows for comparisons, at the program, corporate and national levels, o f the cost-performance of research. Some methodological and implementa tion problems are discussed.