Empirical Analysis of the Functions of the National University System: For appropriate allocation of subsidies

There are a number of arguments (including performance-based allocation, competitive allocation, and concentration of research funds) about financing national universities. It is, however, questionable as to whether those arguments are set out based on a sufficient understanding of the functions that national universities are currently performing. This paper discusses three functions of the national university system based on quantitative and qualitative data: I) The research function; II) The educational function; and III) The social service function. As a result of the discussion, three points have become clear: (1) The national university system functions as the intellectual core of the university system (through three functions: I. research; IIb. postgraduate education; and IIIa. social service as research institutions); (2) Regional national universities share their function as intellectual cores in the region and have become intellectual bases; and (3) The national university system as a whole constitutes the infrastructure of Japanese educational society. Based on these findings, this paper points out controversial points in fund allocation methods-including performance-based allocation, competitive allocation, and concentration of research funds-and the importance of basic finance.