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The three legs of a stool: Comment on Richard Nelson, “The sciences are different and the differences matter”

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  • Cohen, Wesley M.
  • Fjeld, Jon

Abstract

In our response to Nelson’s important argument regarding the fit of research methods with the subject matter of various natural and social sciences, we highlight the complementarities offered by combining qualitative analysis with modeling and statistical analysis, focusing on economics. The argument is illustrated using a discussion of two studies on the economics of innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Cohen, Wesley M. & Fjeld, Jon, 2016. "The three legs of a stool: Comment on Richard Nelson, “The sciences are different and the differences matter”," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(9), pages 1708-1712.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:45:y:2016:i:9:p:1708-1712
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2016.06.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eric von Hippel, 1986. "Lead Users: A Source of Novel Product Concepts," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 32(7), pages 791-805, July.
    2. Arora, Ashish & Cohen, Wesley M. & Walsh, John P., 2016. "The acquisition and commercialization of invention in American manufacturing: Incidence and impact," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(6), pages 1113-1128.
    3. Leamer, Edward E, 1983. "Let's Take the Con Out of Econometrics," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 73(1), pages 31-43, March.
    4. Pavitt, Keith, 1984. "Sectoral patterns of technical change: Towards a taxonomy and a theory," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 13(6), pages 343-373, December.
    5. Joshua D. Angrist & Jörn-Steffen Pischke, 2009. "Mostly Harmless Econometrics: An Empiricist's Companion," Economics Books, Princeton University Press, edition 1, number 8769.
    6. Gavin Sinclair & Steven Klepper & Wesley Cohen, 2000. "What's Experience Got to Do With It? Sources of Cost Reduction in a Large Specialty Chemicals Producer," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 46(1), pages 28-45, January.
    7. Willard F. Mueller, 1962. "The Origins of the Basic Inventions Underlying Du Pont's Major Product and Process Innovations, 1920 to 1950," NBER Chapters, in: The Rate and Direction of Inventive Activity: Economic and Social Factors, pages 323-358, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrea Filippetti & Maria Savona, 2017. "University–industry linkages and academic engagements: individual behaviours and firms’ barriers. Introduction to the special section," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 42(4), pages 719-729, August.

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