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An empirical knowledge production function of agricultural research and extension: The case of the University of California Cooperative Extension

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  • Chatterjee, Diti
  • Dinar, Ariel
  • González-Rivera, Gloria

Abstract

Our study examines empirically the impact of agricultural research inputs on the creation and dissemination of knowledge by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). We formulate a conceptual framework to understand the relationship between the agricultural research inputs employed by UCCE and the knowledge shared. We develop an index of knowledge based on a weighted average of the various modes through which knowledge is produced by UCCE's agricultural research for all counties in the state of California during 2007–2013. Empirical results indicate significant positive impacts of research inputs on the production of knowledge. We find research input, such as number of research positions measured as full-time equivalent (FTE), level of salary per researcher (including seniority and status), and investment in research infrastructure per FTE, positive and significant. Our models suggest diminishing marginal knowledge returns to research infrastructure, and a linear knowledge production function with respect to the number of FTE and the salary per FTE in the UCCE system.

Suggested Citation

  • Chatterjee, Diti & Dinar, Ariel & González-Rivera, Gloria, 2018. "An empirical knowledge production function of agricultural research and extension: The case of the University of California Cooperative Extension," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 290-297.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:134:y:2018:i:c:p:290-297
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2018.06.037
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Knowledge production function; Cooperative extension; Agricultural R&D; University of California Cooperative Extension;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • Q1 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture
    • Q10 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - General
    • Q16 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - R&D; Agricultural Technology; Biofuels; Agricultural Extension Services

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