Working Paper: NBER ID: w19538
Authors: Joshua S. Gans; Fiona Murray
Abstract: This paper considers the role of the allocation of scientific credit in determining the organization of science. We examine changes in that organization and the nature of credit allocation in the past half century. Our contribution is a formal model of that organizational choice that considers scientist decisions to integrate, collaborate or publish and how credit should be allocated to foster efficient outcomes.
Keywords: scientific credit; knowledge production; collaboration; publication
JEL Codes: O32
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| credit allocation (E51) | organizational choices (L29) |
| expected credit rewards (G51) | choice between integration, collaboration, or publication (O36) |
| integration (F15) | retain full credit (G51) |
| integration (F15) | higher costs in acquiring specialized knowledge (D89) |
| collaboration (O36) | shared costs and expertise (O36) |
| collaboration (O36) | negotiation over credit allocation (C78) |
| negotiation over credit allocation (C78) | diluted individual recognition (C92) |
| publication (Y30) | alternative credit mechanism through citations (E51) |
| credit allocation (E51) | shifts in collaborative practices (D26) |