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The Rise of China and the Global Production of Scientific Knowledge

Author

Listed:
  • Ku, Hyejin

    (University College London)

  • Mu, Tianrui

    (University College London)

Abstract

This paper examines how China’s growing research capabilities impact global research universities across scientific fields. Using bibliometric data from 1980 to 2020, we assess the effects of the “China shock” on high-impact publications, novel concepts, and citation patterns. Our analysis reveals a positive net effect in Chemistry and Engineering & Materials Science (EMS), but a negative effect in Clinical & Life Sciences (CLS). In other fields, the effects are mostly positive but imprecise. We highlight the coexistence of competition and spillover effects, with their relative strength shaped by field characteristics, such as expansion potential and the quality of China’s research.

Suggested Citation

  • Ku, Hyejin & Mu, Tianrui, 2025. "The Rise of China and the Global Production of Scientific Knowledge," IZA Discussion Papers 17866, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17866
    as

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    File URL: https://docs.iza.org/dp17866.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George J. Borjas & Kirk B. Doran, 2015. "Which Peers Matter? The Relative Impacts of Collaborators, Colleagues, and Competitors," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 97(5), pages 1104-1117, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ideas; knowledge production; China shock in science; competition; spillovers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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