Efficiency and flexibility in research funding. A comparative study of funding instruments and review criteria

Abstract

We compare funding instruments and review criteria in national funding agencies in five different countries, USA (NSF), Sweden (VINNOVA), the Netherlands (NWO), UK (NERC) and Norway (RCN), as well as in the Horizon 2020 and the European Research Council (ERC). We also summarise previous issues and conclusions regarding funding instruments and review criteria, based on academic literature as well as policy reports