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Social Networks and Research Output

Author

Listed:
  • Lorenzo Ductor

    (Massey University)

  • Marcel Fafchamps

    (University of Oxford and Mansfield College)

  • Sanjeev Goyal

    (University of Cambridge and Christ's College)

  • Marco J. van der Leij

    (CeNDEF, University of Amsterdam; De Nederlandsche Bank; and Tinbergen Institute)

Abstract

We study how knowledge about the social network of an individual researcher, as embodied in his coauthor relations, helps us in developing a more accurate prediction of his or her future productivity. We find that incorporating information about coauthor networks leads to a modest improvement in the accuracy of forecasts on individual output, over and above what we can predict based on the knowledge of past individual output. Second, we find that the informativeness of networks dissipates over the lifetime of a researcher's career. This suggests that the signaling content of the network is quantitatively more important than the flow of ideas.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorenzo Ductor & Marcel Fafchamps & Sanjeev Goyal & Marco J. van der Leij, 2014. "Social Networks and Research Output," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 96(5), pages 936-948, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:restat:v:96:y:2014:i:5:p:936-948
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    Keywords

    social networks; researchers;

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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