TECHNICAL CHANGE AND EFFICIENCY AT US LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES: IS THERE ANY FAT LEFT TO CUT?

This work uses non-parametric efficiency analysis and a unique panel data set to analyze efficiency and technical change at US universities from 1981-1998 with a special emphasis on Land Grant institutions. The analysis demonstrates that Land Grants are on average more efficient than their counterparts. While in the 1980s they had higher levels of technological change, in the 1990s that declined to levels similar to other types of universities. Identifying factors influencing efficiency and technological progress in university production provides key insights into the future of the Land Grant system.