The Economic Effects of Basic Research: Evidence for Embodied Knowledge Transfer via Scientists' Migration

C. Zellner

Papers on Economics and Evolution from Philipps University Marburg, Department of Geography

Abstract: The paper argues that a substantial proportion of the social economic benefits from publicly funded basic research is associated with scientists' migration into the commercial sector of the innovation system. Rejecting a reduction of the research process to the propositional knowledge it produces, a set of hypotheses on the value of different types of knowledge is derived. The hypotheses are tested with empirical data obtained from scientists formerly employed by the Max Planck Society, one of the main organisations for basic research in the German innovation system. Findings indicate that rather than applying latest theoretical insights, scientists mainly transfer elements of knowledge that underlie complex problem-solving strategies in basic research. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the results on science and technology policy.

Date: 2002-08
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:esi:evopap:2002-06

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