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How Rapidly Does Science Leak Out? A Study of the Diffusion of Fundamental Ideas

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  • James D. Adams
  • J. Roger Clemmons

Abstract

More rapid diffusion of science increases technological opportunity and innovation. To measure the diffusion of science, we use the lag between citing and cited scientific papers. With data from 1981 to 1999, the lag averages 6 years, increases with citation delay, and decreases with firm research. Additional data from 1980 to 2010 show that the lag increases with complexity of papers, age of lines of research and fields, and publication-submission lags; decreases with team size; and shows no evidence of strategic delay. Field differences in characteristics help explain field differences in citation lags, but deployment of specialized human capital among sectors also matters.

Suggested Citation

  • James D. Adams & J. Roger Clemmons, 2013. "How Rapidly Does Science Leak Out? A Study of the Diffusion of Fundamental Ideas," Journal of Human Capital, University of Chicago Press, vol. 7(3), pages 191-229.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jhucap:doi:10.1086/673466
    DOI: 10.1086/673466
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Malgorzata Wachowska & Magdalena Homa, 2020. "The Role of Ethnic Diversity in Stimulating Innovation Processes: Comparative Analysis of Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(4), pages 1157-1176.
    2. Cristiano Antonelli, 2019. "Knowledge as an economic good: Exhaustibility versus appropriability?," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 44(3), pages 647-658, June.
    3. Kevin A. Bryan & Heidi L. Williams, 2021. "Innovation: Market Failures and Public Policies," NBER Working Papers 29173, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Cristiano Antonelli, 2018. "Knowledge properties and economic policy: A new look," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 45(2), pages 151-158.
    5. Popp, David, 2017. "From science to technology: The value of knowledge from different energy research institutions," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(9), pages 1580-1594.
    6. Chunjuan Luan & Siming Deng & John R. Allison, 2022. "Mutual Granger “causality” between scientific instruments and scientific publications," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(11), pages 6209-6229, November.
    7. David Popp, 2016. "From Science to Technology: The Value of Knowledge From Different Energy Research Institutions," NBER Working Papers 22573, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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