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Career progress in centralized academic systems: social capital and institutions in France and Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Michele Pezzoni

    (University of Bergamo, Faculty of Engineering, Dalmine, Italy - KiTES Bocconi University, Milan, Italy)

  • Valerio Sterzi

    (University of Bergamo, Dalmine, Italy - University of Brescia, Faculty of Engineering, Brescia, Italy - KiTES Bocconi University, Milan, Italy)

  • Francesco Lissoni

    (University of Bergamo, Faculty of Engineering, Dalmine, Italy - KiTES Bocconi University, Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Notions of social capital have loomed large in the literature on academic careers, but it has proved difficult to disentangle the various benefits social capital bring to individual scientists. Besides, most of the relevant literature is quite US-centric and provide little clues on how the notion can be extend to different academic systems. We examine the career profiles of a large sample of French and Italian academic physicists between 2000 and 2003/2005, and propose measures of social capital that take into account the two countries' institutional specificities. We find that rank advancements are explained not only by individual variables (such as productivity, seniority and gender), but also by relational ones, such as: the scientist's affiliation to important public research organizations (France); and her social ties with senior members of the discipline, who exercise control over careers (Italy). Significant differences exist between the two countries also with respect to the importance of productivity and gender.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Pezzoni & Valerio Sterzi & Francesco Lissoni, 2009. "Career progress in centralized academic systems: social capital and institutions in France and Italy," KITeS Working Papers 026, KITeS, Centre for Knowledge, Internationalization and Technology Studies, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy, revised 2009.
  • Handle: RePEc:cri:cespri:kites26_wp
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Academic careers; Economics of science; Social capital; Gender;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • M51 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions

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