Efficiency and Productivity Measurement in Research Sector of Iranian Medical Sciences Universities Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Index

Improving the efficiency and productivity of the higher education, especially in the field of research on health sciences, is one of the characteristics of sustainable development in today's societies. This study aimed to measure the efficiency and productivity of Iran's Medical Sciences Universities (MSU) in the research function. In a descriptive study, the research function of fourty five MSUs in Iran was evaluated using data envelopment analysis (DEA) method and Malmquist index in 2010, 2013, and 2016 years. Measurement of both efficiency and Malmquist index was developed and modeled based on the assumption of variable returns to scale (VRS) and output-oriented. Also, the ranking of efficient units was done using Anderson-Patterson's model. The mean research efficiency was estimated to be 0.86. Findings of Malmquist index showed that between 2010 and 2013, there was a 6% growth in the productivity; while the performance of universities had a 12% drop in research function from 2013 to 2016. Also, the average total productivity during two periods is 0.96, indicating 4% reduction in research efficiency which technology efficiency growth has dropped by 8% and other components of total productivity had a positive growth. The results of the study showed that universities do not work efficiently and average productivity has been decreasing which was mainly due to a decline in the efficiency of technology, which despite the development of technology in recent years could be the result of the lack of effective use of it.