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Life Cycle and Cohort Productivity in Economic Research: The Case of Germany

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  • Rauber Michael

    (University College London,London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

  • Ursprung Heinrich W.

    (University of Konstanz,Konstanz, Germany)

Abstract

We examine the research productivity of German academic economists over their life cycles. It turns out that the career patterns of research productivity as measured by journal publications are characterized by marked cohort effects. Moreover, the life cycles of younger German economists are hump shaped and resemble the life cycles identified for US economists, whereas the life cycles of older German economists are much flatter. Finally, we find that not only productivity, but also research quality follows distinct life cycles. Our study employs econometric techniques that are likely to produce estimates that are more trustworthy than previous estimates.

Suggested Citation

  • Rauber Michael & Ursprung Heinrich W., 2008. "Life Cycle and Cohort Productivity in Economic Research: The Case of Germany," German Economic Review, De Gruyter, vol. 9(4), pages 431-456, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:germec:v:9:y:2008:i:4:p:431-456
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0475.2008.00447.x
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Research productivity; life cycles; cohort effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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