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Recombinant Innovation, Novel Ideas, and the Start of Nobel Prize–Winning Work

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  • John C. Ham
  • Brian Quistorff
  • Bruce A. Weinberg

Abstract

We draw on a recombinant view of innovation, where being in a new location and/or multiple locations leads to exposure to novel combinations of ideas that increase the creativity of top scientists. Using a rich, unique data set we helped assemble, we estimate the empirical relationship between being in a new location and/or multiple locations and the expected interval before an eventual Nobel laureate (ENL) commences their prize‐winning work. We find that being in a new location and in multiple locations are substantially and significantly associated with a shorter expected interval before ENLs commence their prize‐winning work.

Suggested Citation

  • John C. Ham & Brian Quistorff & Bruce A. Weinberg, 2025. "Recombinant Innovation, Novel Ideas, and the Start of Nobel Prize–Winning Work," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 66(2), pages 965-979, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:iecrev:v:66:y:2025:i:2:p:965-979
    DOI: 10.1111/iere.12768
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