The model is based on higher education institutions defining profile areas themselves, which are then assessed by experts before the Government allocates resources.
The proposal relates to quality-based resource allocation of new funding within the ‘direct government appropriation’ to higher education institutions (HEIs) for research and education at third cycle level.
The model is intended to replace the current indicator-based resource allocation model as from 2023.
Proposed model in brief
It is the individual HEI that defines its own profile area or areas. The profile areas shall be strategic research initiatives of high quality. Both established profile areas and profile area under construction can be included. This means that there will be large variation in the profile areas that the HEIs wish to highlight. A broad-based international panel of experts will assess the applications, and provide statements and recommendations.
The funding bodies will propose an allocation totalling 5–20 million SEK per year for individual profile areas.
An HEI will be able to apply for up to five profile areas in the first instance, depending on the size of the HEI. The proposal also includes a recommendation to evaluate the model after the initial six-year period.
Quality aspects and grounds for assessment
The HEIs and the profiles will be assessed based on three aspects:
- Strategic profile and preconditions for quality development
- Scientific quality
- Quality of collaboration.