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The Original Ideas Game and the Vanishing of the Absurd Heroes: Academic Reputation Hierarchies and Their Implications

Author

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  • João Ricardo Faria
  • Rajeev K. Goel

Abstract

In perfectly competitive academic and idea markets, a divide emerges between elite scientists and the rest. The elite publish original, impactful work, while others - absurd heroes - struggle for recognition, often in vain. Though the original ideas game produces an equilibrium resembling perfect competition, it is driven by a hierarchical structure. This reflects the organization of real-world science, where limited incentives and access prevent most researchers from publishing and advancing original ideas.

Suggested Citation

  • João Ricardo Faria & Rajeev K. Goel, 2026. "The Original Ideas Game and the Vanishing of the Absurd Heroes: Academic Reputation Hierarchies and Their Implications," CESifo Working Paper Series 12590, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12590
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    18. Rajeev K. Goel & James W. Saunoris, 2017. "Dynamics Of Knowledge Spillovers From Patents To Entrepreneurship: Evidence Across Entrepreneurship Types," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 35(4), pages 700-715, October.
    19. James J. Heckman & Sidharth Moktan, 2020. "Publishing and Promotion in Economics: The Tyranny of the Top Five," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 58(2), pages 419-470, June.
    20. João Ricardo Faria & Peter McAdam, 2015. "Academic productivity before and after tenure: the case of the ‘specialist’," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 67(2), pages 291-309.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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