The paper considers the management process within central research offices of universities, or the research divisions of universities, to determine how funded research is encouraged at research institutions. It also looks at the characteristics of those research institutions which had strong growth in the last 10 years. A telephone survey of 37 leading research universities concerning aspects of managing research activity within a changing environment. Usable responses numbered 33; an 89% response rate. Results were analzyed in terms of faculty participation (e.g., an average of 46% of faculty participate in research activities as either principle or co-investigator); research visibility (e.g., the typical institution had $97 million in research expenditures); influential environmental factors (e.g., 63% saw an increased administrative emphasis on research); and key success factors (e.g., 39% used total number of proposals or awards as a measure of success). Institutions are encouraged to increase research productivity through such means as setting specific research activity goals; recruiting and retaining outstanding research faculty; and providing assistance in writing proposals. Contains 9 references. (DB)