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Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent

Author

Listed:
  • Hager, Sebastian

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit¨at M¨unchen)

  • Schwarz, Carlo

    (Universit`a Bocconi, Department of Economics, IGIER, PERICLES, CEPR, CAGE)

  • Waldinger, Fabian

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit¨at M¨unchen, CEPR, CESifo)

Abstract

We study how performance metrics affect the allocation of talent by exploiting the introduction of the first citation database in science. For technical reasons, it only covered citations from certain journals and years, creating quasi-random variation: some citations became visible, while others remained invisible. We identify the effects of citation metrics by comparing the predictiveness of visible to invisible citations. Citation metrics increased assortative matching between scientists and departments by reducing information frictions over geographic and intellectual distance. Highly-cited scientists from lower-ranked departments (hidden stars) and from minorities benefited more. Citation metrics also affected promotions and NSF-grants, suggesting Matthew effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Hager, Sebastian & Schwarz, Carlo & Waldinger, Fabian, 2024. "Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent," CAGE Online Working Paper Series 698, Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE).
    • Handle: RePEc:cge:wacage:698
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    File URL: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/centres/cage/manage/publications/wp698.2023.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Abramitzky, Ran & Greska, Lena & Pérez, Santiago & Price, Joseph & Schwarz, Carlo & Waldinger, Fabian, 2024. "Climbing the Ivory Tower: How Socio-Economic Background Shapes Academia," CAGE Online Working Paper Series 739, Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE).
    2. Fabio Bertolotti & Kyle R. Myers & Wei Yang Tham, 2025. "Productivity Beliefs and Efficiency in Science," NBER Working Papers 34000, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Kyriakos Drivas, 2024. "The evolution of order of authorship based on researchers’ age," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 129(9), pages 5615-5633, September.

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets

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