Abstract

Research funding through various structures and mechanisms directly impacts the performance of funding systems and scientific outputs. This study was conducted between April 2024 and March 2025. Different approaches to research funding exert distinct effects on the research and development process, potentially strengthening or weakening specific components of the research system. Awareness of these approaches enables policymakers to allocate financial resources optimally based on the country's priority needs and to enhance research productivity. The experience of the past three decades (study period: 1990–2023) in different countries shows that policymakers can draw on these experiences to design more optimal research funding structures. In this study, research funding structures in Austria, Sweden, France, the United States, and Switzerland were analyzed and compared using a literature review method. The findings indicate that while similarities exist, the structures and methods of research funding are highly diverse. Broadly speaking, research funding structures can be categorized into five types: institutional funding, project-based funding, disciplinary group funding, individual funding, and infrastructure funding. Research funding, beyond resource allocation, serves as a policy tool to steer scientific priorities and elevate the research standing of nations. A balanced selection of approaches and mechanisms can enhance scientific productivity and international competitiveness. Thus, designing multilayered funding systems that complementarily integrate diverse approaches is essential for achieving an efficient and sustainable research system.