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The economics of research, consulting, and teaching quality: Theory and evidence from a technical university

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  • Stefano BIANCHINI
  • Francesco LISSONI
  • Michele PEZZONI
  • Lorenzo ZIRULIA

Abstract

We investigate the effect of both research and consulting on higher education teaching quality at the individual level. We propose a theoretical model in which academics allocate limited time between three activities, over a two period horizon, under the assumption of positive spillovers from research to both consulting opportunities and teaching, and of life cycle effects on incentives. Propositions from the model are tested against teaching evaluation data from a mid-sized Italian engineering faculty. We find that research experience improves teaching quality, but only if it does not translate into large consulting opportunities. In that case, research experience provides too strong a disincentive to invest time in teaching, and quality deteriorates.

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  • Stefano BIANCHINI & Francesco LISSONI & Michele PEZZONI & Lorenzo ZIRULIA, 2014. "The economics of research, consulting, and teaching quality: Theory and evidence from a technical university," Cahiers du GREThA (2007-2019) 2014-15, Groupe de Recherche en Economie Théorique et Appliquée (GREThA).
    • Handle: RePEc:grt:wpegrt:2014-15
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    Cited by:

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    3. Ingvild Reymert & Taran Thune, 2020. "Complementarity and trade-off between academic work tasks," Working Papers on Innovation Studies 20200825, Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture, University of Oslo.
    4. María-Jesús Luengo-Valderrey & Julián Pando-García & Iñaki Periáñez-Cañadillas & Amparo Cervera-Taulet, 2020. "Analysis of the Impact of the Triple Helix on Sustainable Innovation Targets in Spanish Technology Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-20, April.
    5. Sohvi Heaton & David Lewin & David J. Teece, 2020. "Managing campus entrepreneurship: Dynamic capabilities and university leadership," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 41(6), pages 1126-1140, September.
    6. Ingvild Reymert & Taran Thune, 2023. "Task complementarity in academic work: a study of the relationship between research, education and third mission tasks among university professors," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(1), pages 331-360, February.
    7. Andrea Bonaccorsi & Daniele Biancardi & Mabel Sanchez Barrioluengo & Federico Biagi, 2019. "Study on Higher Education Institutions and Local Development," JRC Research Reports JRC117272, Joint Research Centre.
    8. Blandinieres, Florence & Pellens, Maikel, 2021. "Scientist's industry engagement and the research agenda: Evidence from Germany," ZEW Discussion Papers 21-001, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    higher education; teaching; academic consulting; research; economics of science;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • L84 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Personal, Professional, and Business Services
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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