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Star recruitment and internationalization effects: an analysis of the Alexander von Humboldt professorship programme

Author

Listed:
  • Massimiliano Coda-Zabetta

    (University of Turin)

  • Francesco Lissoni

    (Université de Bordeaux
    Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
    French Collaborative Institute on Migration)

  • Ernest Miguelez

    (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
    Université de Bordeaux
    University of Barcelona
    French Collaborative Institute on Migration)

Abstract

We investigate the impact of policies aimed at attracting foreign-based star scientists on the internationalisation of host institutions. In particular, we examine the case of the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (AvHP) programme, which—since 2008—offers substantial funding to top scholars willing to move from abroad to a German university. Based on a difference-in-differences approach, we test whether the university departments that recruit an AvHP recipient increase the number of internationally co-authored publications and the recruitment of new, high-quality researchers from abroad. Results are very heterogeneous across broad scientific fields, with a significant and positive effects in the Social sciences and null or negative results in all others.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimiliano Coda-Zabetta & Francesco Lissoni & Ernest Miguelez, 2024. "Star recruitment and internationalization effects: an analysis of the Alexander von Humboldt professorship programme," Economia e Politica Industriale: Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, Springer;Associazione Amici di Economia e Politica Industriale, vol. 51(3), pages 667-690, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:epolin:v:51:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s40812-024-00321-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s40812-024-00321-4
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Star scientists; Science policy; Peer effects; Learning by hiring;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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