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Recombinant Innovation, Novel Ideas, and the Start of Nobel Prize-Winning Work

Author

Listed:
  • John Ham
  • Brian Quistorff
  • Bruce A. Weinberg

Abstract

We draw on a recombinant view of innovation, where being in a new location and/or multiple locations leads to exposure to novel combinations of ideas that increase the creativity of top scientists. Using a rich, unique dataset we helped assemble, we estimate the empirical relationship between being in a new location and/or multiple locations and the expected interval before an eventual Nobel laureate (ENL) commences their prize-winning work. We find that being in a new location and in multiple locations are substantially and significantly associated with a shorter expected interval before ENLs commence their prize-winning work.

Suggested Citation

  • John Ham & Brian Quistorff & Bruce A. Weinberg, 2025. "Recombinant Innovation, Novel Ideas, and the Start of Nobel Prize-Winning Work," NBER Working Papers 33579, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
  • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33579
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C41 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Duration Analysis; Optimal Timing Strategies
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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