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Ceremonial science: The state of Russian economics seen through the lens of the work of ‘Doctor of Science’ candidates

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  • Libman, Alexander
  • Zweynert, Joachim

Abstract

The paper investigates the current status of economic research in Russia using a previously unexplored dataset of Russian ‘Doctor of Science’ (Dr.Sc.) theses. The Dr.Sc. degree is a postdoctoral qualification necessary for career advancement at most Russian universities. By examining the Dr.Sc. theses, we are able to provide a systematic overview of ‘average’ scientific standards in Russia, particularly at mass universities, at which most administrators and bureaucrats are trained. We show that the level of integration into the international scientific community in Russian economics remains low. Moreover, we obtain a picture of mostly ‘ceremonial’ science. The researchers combine references to ‘classical’ research, formal methods, and practical application merely as an instrument for presenting the argument in a more ‘scientific’ way.

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  • Libman, Alexander & Zweynert, Joachim, 2014. "Ceremonial science: The state of Russian economics seen through the lens of the work of ‘Doctor of Science’ candidates," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 38(3), pages 360-378.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecosys:v:38:y:2014:i:3:p:360-378
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecosys.2013.11.001
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    Cited by:

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    2. A. Shastitko E. & A. Zyubina L. & А. Шаститко Е. & А. Зюбина Л., 2019. "Управление экономическими исследованиями в российских вузах: наукометрия и международные рейтинги // Management of Economic Research in Russian Universities: Scientometrics and International Rankings," Мир новой экономики // The world of new economy, Финансовый университет при Правительстве Российской Федерации // Financial University under The Governtment оf The Russian Federation, vol. 13(3), pages 112-126.
    3. repec:zbw:iamodp:259805 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Brock, Gregory, 2015. "The informal economy of Rostov Oblast on the eve of the Ukrainian refugee crisis," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 37(5), pages 789-803.
    5. Ewa Dabrowska & Joachim Zweynert, 2014. "Economic Ideas and Institutional Change: The Case of the Russian Stabilisation Fund," Working Papers 339, Leibniz Institut für Ost- und Südosteuropaforschung (Institute for East and Southeast European Studies).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Russian economics; International integration; Scientific methodology; Culture of economic decision-making;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • P39 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Other

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