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Academic tenure, risk-taking and the diversification of scientific research

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  • Chiara Franzoni
  • Cristina Rossi-Lamastra

Abstract

We discuss two competing hypotheses linking the relative job security granted by tenure in academic employment to scientists’ choices between diversifying vs. specialising their research portfolio. To test our hypotheses, we develop a new methodology, using an algorithm of semantic analysis that partitions scientists’ publications into research themes, and we compute the Blau’s diversification index for 562 scientists observed over 15 years. The results of a Fractional Probit Model with fixed effects show that tenure is associated to more diversification of research interests. We discuss the implications for policy-makers and granting agencies wishing to incentivise explorative research.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiara Franzoni & Cristina Rossi-Lamastra, 2017. "Academic tenure, risk-taking and the diversification of scientific research," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(7), pages 691-712, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:indinn:v:24:y:2017:i:7:p:691-712
    DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2016.1264067
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    Cited by:

    1. Belkhouja, Mustapha & Fattoum, Senda & Yoon, Hyungseok (David), 2021. "Does greater diversification increase individual productivity? The moderating effect of attention allocation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(6).
    2. Zhang, Lin & Qi, Fan & Sivertsen, Gunnar & Liang, Liming & Campbell, David, 2023. "Gender differences in the patterns and consequences of changing specialization in scientific careers," SocArXiv ep5bx, Center for Open Science.
    3. Kyle R. Myers & Wei Yang Tham & Jerry Thursby & Marie Thursby & Nina Cohodes & Karim Lakhani & Rachel Mural & Yilun Xu, 2023. "New Facts and Data about Professors and their Research," Papers 2312.01442, arXiv.org.
    4. David Audretsch & Christian Fisch & Chiara Franzoni & Paul P. Momtaz & Silvio Vismara, 2023. "Academic Freedom and Innovation: A Research Note," Papers 2303.06097, arXiv.org.
    5. Mancuso, Raffaele & Rossi-Lamastra, Cristina & Franzoni, Chiara, 2023. "Topic choice, gendered language, and the under-funding of female scholars in mission-oriented research," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(6).

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