UDC 378.1
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.36871/2306-8329_2025_98_1_19
Authors
Lobanova Elena V.,
Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor. Autonomous Non-profit organization
of Higher Education «Russian New University»
First Vice-Rector
Sapozhnikov Georgy P.,
Candidate of Technical Sciences.
Autonomous non-profit organization of additional professional education
«Academy of Business and Innovative Technologies»
Vice-Rector for Legal and Administrative Affairs
Abstract
The authors conduct a comparative analysis of the methods of stimulating “research activity” in Russian and Western universities,
revealing the interaction of financial, intellectual and structural incentives operating within different academic ecosystems, each of which is
shaped by cultural, economic and institutional factors.
The analysis considers the influence of economic factors: Russian universities align their research programs with national economic priorities,
as demonstrated by the 22% increase in state-funded applied research grants, while Western universities focus on the market academic
economy, where external funding organizations have a significant influence on the trajectory of research. The discussion emphasizes the
need for a “hybrid incentive model” in which financial rewards are balanced with opportunities for intellectual autonomy, thereby creating an
environment that encourages sustainable and meaningful engagement in research over time.
Research methods and techniques. The authors apply a comparative analysis, which is used to identify differences and similarities in approaches
to stimulating research activity in Russian and Western universities; data analysis, including quantitative indicators, such as the number of
publications and grants, as well as qualitative aspects, including pedagogical trends and institutional culture.
The novelty of the article lies in the integration of various incentives, suggesting the interaction of financial, intellectual and structural
factors in the context of the academic ecosystem. The novelty lies in the proposal of a term that denotes non-monetary incentives, such as
intellectual self-realization and interdisciplinary collaboration, namely: the concept of “cognitive stimulation”. The article emphasizes the
need for hybrid approaches to stimulation, which is innovative in the context of existing models.
The practical significance of the article lies in the fact that the results of the study can be used to develop methodological recommendations
for improving incentives for scientific activity in universities. The practical application of the hybrid incentive model can help universities
adapt to changes in the academic environment and increase scientific productivity. Developing recommendations for creating an environment
conducive to sustainable and meaningful participation in research can improve the quality of scientific activity in educational institutions.
Keywords
incentives, scientific productivity, financial incentives, scientist engagement, publication metrics, research innovation.
