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Are there scale economies in scientific production? On the topic of locally increasing returns to scale

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  • Torben Schubert

    (Lund University
    Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research
    Technological University Berlin)

Abstract

In this paper the question of returns to scale in scientific production is analysed using non-parametric techniques of multidimensional efficiency measurement. Based on survey data for German research groups from three scientific fields, it is shown that the multidimensional production possibility sets are weakly non-convex and locally strictly non-convex. This suggests that the production functions for the groups in the sample are characterised by increasing returns to scale in some regions and at least constant returns to scale otherwise. This has two implications for the organisation of scientific research: first, the size of at least some groups in our sample is suboptimal and they would benefit from growth. Second, greater specialisation in certain tasks in science (e.g. transfer-oriented groups vs. research-oriented groups) would increase the output of the overall system.

Suggested Citation

  • Torben Schubert, 2014. "Are there scale economies in scientific production? On the topic of locally increasing returns to scale," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 99(2), pages 393-408, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:99:y:2014:i:2:d:10.1007_s11192-013-1207-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-013-1207-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Kroll, Henning & Meyer, Niclas, 2016. "Analysing FP7 from a systemic perspective: What role for the delineation and the set up of the sub-programmes?," Working Papers "Firms and Region" R3/2016, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI).
    6. Yang, Guo-liang & Rousseau, Ronald & Yang, Li-ying & Liu, Wen-bin, 2014. "A study on directional returns to scale," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 8(3), pages 628-641.
    7. Yang, Guo-liang & Fukuyama, Hirofumi & Song, Yao-yao, 2018. "Measuring the inefficiency of Chinese research universities based on a two-stage network DEA model," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 12(1), pages 10-30.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Research units; Specialisation; Production; Efficiency; Returns to scale; DEA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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