Abstract:

The paper considers theoretical background for patent indicators in performance-based research funding systems. The hypothesis of this paper is that forcing scientific activity entities to patent activity using the respective performance indicators in the context of performance funding does not lead to desirable outcomes of science policy. It is shown that existed points of view on patent usage in reality do not provide the rational for the use of patent indicators in performance-based research funding systems. Patents as the core subject of patent indicators do not reflect the actual intensity of innovation, research and development activity of entities. Patent indicators as elements of performance-based research funding systems are not able to provide correct incentives for public support recipients and thus lead to the emergence of side effects.