Economics of university research laboratories: policy considerations

This paper reports on research to develop an understanding of how life-cycle cost models might be more appropriately applied to improve university research facility performance. Because of the wide variety of research laboratories found in universities, the project focused its efforts on chemistry facilities. The research used a three part methodology consisting of a telephone survey, site visits and a survey questionnaire that was mailed to principal investigators. Both qualitative and quantitative factors were evaluated. The research found that the effective use of life-cycle cost analysis was limited because of the importance of non-economic qualitative policy considerations.