Russia and China Government funding mechanisms
Country of Comparison: China
Defined area of focus: Government funding mechanisms
1) Government interest in science/technology
2) Research/competing in global knowledge economy
3) Increasing access for minorities in STEM fields
4) Participation in international partnerships to improve economy/global presence
Rationale
Why does it make sense to compare Russia and China?
- Neighbouring countries/economic relationship
- Communist history (Soviet Union)
— Russia relationship with Europe
- Est. relationship between Higher Education Institutions and corporate/private sector
- Global presence/expansion
Background
What do you need to know to understand?
- Communist (Soviet) history in both countries
—Both were centralised; currently different political systems
- Pressure to participate in global economy
— Issues of capability vs. implementation
- Two countries impacted differently by financial crisis
- Different cultures/populations (homogeneity vs. heterogeneity)
Key issues
- Government interest in science/technology:
— Immunity of the economy and society to innovation, which prevents the practical application of research and development results
— The amount of subsidies that the state allocates to a particular scientific institution depends on the number of employees of this institution, not on the quality and effectiveness of scientific work
- Research/competing in global knowledge economy:
— Russia lacks partnership with corporations → no innovation/entrepreneurship → little research
— Missing cost sharing opportunities/research & development (R&D) expenditures
— Research/innovation expectation for HE faculty in China
—National Institution of Education Sciences specific focus on research
– Increasing access for minorities in STEM fields:
— Higher education disparities on the basis of gender, ethnicity, rural vs. urban environments
— National entrance exams (gaokao) and quota policies
– International partnerships:
—Strategies – Internal vs external
—Mutual understandings and participation
—Policies beyond education
Key Recommendations
What policies/practices could work for Russia?
– Emulate Chinese structure of HE/research/corporate integration:
China raises money from businesses to fund business-run schools
Focus Special economic zones on HE needs (ex. Guangdong Province Free Trade Zone)
– Increase funding for HE involvement in R&D sector:
Unlike China, Russian market economy R&D spending doesn’t meet national need
– Political will for nation-wide mandated access policies for minorities
– Build mutually benefitting relationships like FOCAC
– Model visa policies based on China (for incoming international students)
– Increased autonomy:
Maximize foreign partnerships in 5-100 program
Limitations
What needs further exploration?
- Different government/economic structures (transferability)
- Quality/validity of Chinese research; national propaganda influence
- Lack of transparency in policymaking for both countries
- China managing massive debt as result of reforms
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