Stimulating Peer Effects? Evidence from a Research Cluster Policy

Nicolas Carayol and Marianne Lanoe
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Emeric Henry

No 14589, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: Production of knowledge relies on peer effects and interactions between researchers. However, little is known on how much policies may stimulate these peer effects. In this paper we shed light on this question, and show how a public "research cluster" policy, which funds local networks of researchers working on a common theme, affects the organization of research within these clusters and the productivity of its members. Using data from a large scale financing program in France, and relying on an identification strategy based on grades awarded by reviewers, we show that members of financed clusters increase by up to 30% the research collaborations they have with other members of the cluster, compared to researchers of non selected proposals. This very large reorganization of the research network translates into a more modest positive effect on research productivity. Paradoxically, those who benefit the most from the financing, are those who were not at the core of the research topic, i.e. were not cited in the bibliography of the research proposal, who significantly increase their links with core members and their total publication counts. Consistently, the policy reduces inequality in publication outcomes within the cluster. It stimulates peer effects to the benefit of periphery members.

Keywords: Peer effects; Research funding; Cluster policy; Economics of science (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-net, nep-sog and nep-ure
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Working Paper: Stimulating Peer Effects? Evidence from a Research Cluster Policy (2020)
Working Paper: Stimulating Peer Effects? Evidence from a Research Cluster Policy (2020)
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