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Democracy, Complexity, and Science: Exploring Structural Sources of National Scientific Performance

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  • Travis A Whetsell
  • Ana-Maria Dimand
  • Koen Jonkers
  • Jeroen Baas
  • Caroline S Wagner

Abstract

Scholars have long hypothesized that democratic forms of government are more compatible with scientific advancement. However, empirical analysis testing the democracy–science compatibility hypothesis remains underdeveloped. This article explores the effect of democratic governance on scientific performance using panel data on 124 countries between 2007–2017. We find evidence supporting the democracy–science hypothesis. Further, using both internal and external measures of complexity, we estimate the effects of complexity as a moderating factor between the democracy–science connection. The results show differential main effects of economic complexity, globalization, and international collaboration on scientific performance, as well as significant interaction effects that moderate the effect of democracy on scientific performance. The findings show the significance of democratic governance and complex systems in national scientific performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Travis A Whetsell & Ana-Maria Dimand & Koen Jonkers & Jeroen Baas & Caroline S Wagner, 2021. "Democracy, Complexity, and Science: Exploring Structural Sources of National Scientific Performance," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 48(5), pages 697-711.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:scippl:v:48:y:2021:i:5:p:697-711.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/scipol/scab036
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    Cited by:

    1. María Guadalupe Montiel-Hernández & Carla Carolina Pérez-Hernández & Blanca Cecilia Salazar-Hernández, 2024. "The Intrinsic Links of Economic Complexity with Sustainability Dimensions: A Systematic Review and Agenda for Future Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-26, January.
    2. Jyoti Dua & Hiran H. Lathabai & Vivek Kumar Singh, 2023. "Measuring and characterizing research collaboration in SAARC countries," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 128(2), pages 1265-1294, February.

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