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The great divide in scientific productivity: why the average scientist does not exist

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  • Stijn Kelchtermans
  • Reinhilde Veugelers

Abstract

Using a panel of individual researchers at the KU Leuven, Belgium, we analyze the impact of a range of productivity drivers on research performance at the separate quantiles of the productivity distribution. We estimate a correlated random-effects quantile regression model, accounting for unobserved heterogeneity of researchers and applicable to count data. We find that the effect of most regressors, particularly system-factors incentivizing researchers (like promotion record and access to research resources), as well as the gender of the researcher differ significantly at different points in the distribution, yielding strong support for our quantile regression approach. Comparing publications versus citations as dimensions of research performance, we find the incentive factors to work stronger in affecting research quality. Finally, the split-sample regression results emphasize the heterogeneity across scientific disciplines. Copyright 2011 The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Associazione ICC. All rights reserved., Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Stijn Kelchtermans & Reinhilde Veugelers, 2011. "The great divide in scientific productivity: why the average scientist does not exist," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 20(1), pages 295-336, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:indcch:v:20:y:2011:i:1:p:295-336
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/icc/dtq074
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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