Measurement Efficiency of the Top 25 Universities in Turkey with DEA

Abstract

This study examines the overall technical, pure technical, and scale efficiency levels of the top 25 research-oriented Turkish universities listed in the 2018– 2019 URAP ranking by applying Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Relative efficiency scores were obtained using both input- and output-oriented specifications of the CCR and BCC models. The CCR results indicate that only three universities—Middle East Technical University, Bilkent University, and Bezm-i Âlem Vakıf University—operate on the overall efficiency frontier, while the remaining 22 universities exhibit varying degrees of inefficiency. Among the inefficient universities, Ege University records the lowest CCR efficiency score, ranking 25th with a value of 0.6545, whereas Istanbul Technical University achieves the highest score among the inefficient group, ranking fourth with a value of 0.9808. The BCC results reveal a broader set of technically efficient institutions. Under both input- and output-oriented BCC models, Hacettepe University, Middle East Technical University, Istanbul Technical University, Bilkent University, Bezm-i Âlem Vakıf University, and Yıldız Technical University consistently emerge as technically efficient. In addition, Marmara University is found to be technically efficient under the input-oriented BCC model, although it remains marginally below the efficiency frontier under the output-oriented specification. The scale efficiency results show that only three universities achieve full scale efficiency under both orientations, while the remaining institutions experience varying degrees of scale inefficiency. Furthermore, seven universities operate under constant returns to scale, eleven under increasing returns to scale, and seven under decreasing returns to scale. The potential improvement analysis shows that inefficient universities require different adjustment paths depending on model orientation. In particular, Ege University should reduce its PHD and ÖÜY/SAY input indicators by approximately 34.54% under the input-oriented model, while increasing its research-related output indicators under the output-oriented model. Overall, the findings suggest that inefficiency among Turkish research-oriented universities is driven by both technical and scalerelated factors, highlighting the need for institution-specific strategies aimed at improving resource allocation, research productivity, and scale optimization.