Financing characteristics of the Spanish university system: precariousness and lack of competitive incentives; possible alternatives

Abstract

Introduction: When the funding of the Spanish university system (SUE) is discussed publicly, it is mainly to highlight its precariousness in quantitative terms, almost never to highlight its serious shortcomings, both in terms of model and management. Private universities are left out of this funding and no one asks whether this is justified. The recent university education law (LOSU)  sets out chimerical funding objectives, which, moreover, do not depend on the state administration. Methodology: The methodological approach of this research is not only based on legal reasoning, but also addresses the perspective of educational policies and public funding systems, and makes a brief incursion into questions of an economic nature. Results: Spanish universities continue to stagnate in international university rankings, with good teaching and research production indicators, but with very low rates of knowledge transfer and very poor internal competition. Discussion: Should the SUE funding system be reformed as a whole, or just the amounts increased? Conclusions: For the Spanish university to adequately fulfil its mission and functions at the service of society, a radical change in the SUE funding system is necessary, although this should be approached progressively.