Research Cycles

Yann Bramoullé and Gilles Saint-Paul

Cahiers de recherche from CIRPEE

Abstract: This paper studies the dynamics of fundamental research. We develop a simple model where researchers allocate their effort between improving existing fields and inventing new ones. A key assumption is that scientists derive utility from recognition from other scientists. We show that the economy can be either in a regime where new fields are constantly invented, and then converges to a steady state, or in a cyclical regime where periods of innovation alternate with periods of exploitation. We characterize the cyclicals dynamics of the economy, show that indeterminacy may appear, and establish some comparative statics and welfare implications.

Keywords: Research dynamics; innovation cycles; indeterminacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C61 O39 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ino and nep-sog
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Research cycles (2010)
Working Paper: Research Cycles (2007)
Working Paper: Research Cycles (2006)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:lvl:lacicr:0704

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