Conservative Periodic Reallocation Framework: Deciding research resources for research projects based on network DEA

Research resource allocation is a significant undertaking for scientific research project management. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) method offers central decision-makers a novel performance-based solution for resource allocation problems. This paper introduces a network DEA-based approach, utilizing the temporal relation to reallocate the total inputs among all decision-making units (DMUs). Specifically, We employ an adaptive framework for iteratively solving the lower bounds of input resource changes and present a centralized allocation strategy that comprehensively considers the capabilities of all DMUs. Finally, we apply this framework on two-period research projects sponsored by a public fund in B city to get a reallocation plan.