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Effectiveness of the Science without Borders program in high qualification and internationalization of Brazilian higher education

Author

Listed:
  • Gerrio dos Santos Barbosa

    (Federal University of Ceará)

  • Aléssio Tony Cavalcanti de Almeida

    (Federal University of Paraíba)

  • Wallace Patrick Santos de Farias Souza

    (Federal University of Paraíba)

  • Jesús Pascual Mena Chalco

    (Federal University of ABC)

Abstract

The study aims to assess the impact of the Science without Borders program (SwB) on academic productivity, in both quantitative and qualitative terms. To this end, underutilized databases were employed, and an econometric approach based on the ordinary least squares (OLS) method was adopted, supplemented by entropy reweighting techniques to enhance the inferences made. The most significant findings indicate that SwB scholarship recipients do not show significant differences in academic productivity compared to those not benefited by the program. This holds true for various indicators of publication and patent volume as well as for aspects related to the quality of the publications. Moreover, the results remain consistent even after conducting tests to assess robustness and identify potential heterogeneities. However, it is observed in some indicators that non-SwB scholarship recipients demonstrate higher productivity than those who benefited from the program. Therefore, it is concluded that, at least in the short term analyzed, the SwB does not demonstrate significant effectiveness in academic productivity indicators.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerrio dos Santos Barbosa & Aléssio Tony Cavalcanti de Almeida & Wallace Patrick Santos de Farias Souza & Jesús Pascual Mena Chalco, 2025. "Effectiveness of the Science without Borders program in high qualification and internationalization of Brazilian higher education," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 69(1), pages 299-339, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:69:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s00181-025-02732-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-025-02732-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • C01 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - Econometrics
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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