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Open access to research data: Strategic delay and the ambiguous welfare effects of mandatory data disclosure

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  • Mueller-Langer, Frank
  • Andreoli-Versbach, Patrick

Abstract

Mandatory disclosure of research data is an essential feature for credible empirical work but comes at a cost: First, authors might invest less in data generation if they are not the full residual claimants of their data after the first journal publication. Second, authors might “strategically delay” the time of submission of papers in order to fully exploit their data in subsequent research. We analyze a three-stage model of publication and data disclosure. We find that the welfare effects of universal mandatory data disclosure are ambiguous. The mere implementation of mandatory data disclosure policies may be welfare-reducing, unless accompanied by appropriate incentives which deter strategic delay.

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  • Mueller-Langer, Frank & Andreoli-Versbach, Patrick, 2018. "Open access to research data: Strategic delay and the ambiguous welfare effects of mandatory data disclosure," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 20-34.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:iepoli:v:42:y:2018:i:c:p:20-34
    DOI: 10.1016/j.infoecopol.2017.05.004
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    Cited by:

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    2. KWON Seokbeom & MOTOHASHI Kazuyuki, 2020. "Incentive or Disincentive for Disclosure of Research Data? A Large-Scale Empirical Analysis and Implications for Open Science Policy," Discussion papers 20058, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    3. Kiri, Bralind & Lacetera, Nicola & Zirulia, Lorenzo, 2018. "Above a swamp: A theory of high-quality scientific production," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(5), pages 827-839.
    4. Michael J. Fell, 2019. "The Economic Impacts of Open Science: A Rapid Evidence Assessment," Publications, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-30, July.
    5. Nathalie Jorzik & Paula Johanna Kirchhof & Frank Mueller-Langer, 2024. "Industrial data sharing and data readiness: a law and economics perspective," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 57(1), pages 181-205, April.
    6. Vlaeminck, Sven & Podkrajac, Felix, 2017. "Journals in Economic Sciences: Paying Lip Service to Reproducible Research?," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 41(1-4), pages 1-16.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Data disclosure policy; Strategic delay; Welfare effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B40 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - General
    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • L59 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Other

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