The Matthew effect in China’s science: evidence from academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Xue Yang, Xin Gu, Yuandi Wang, Guangyuan Hu and Li Tang ()
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Xue Yang: Sichuan University
Xin Gu: Sichuan University
Yuandi Wang: Sichuan University
Guangyuan Hu: Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
Li Tang: Shanghai University of Finance and Economics

Scientometrics, 2015, vol. 102, issue 3, No 14, 2089-2105

Abstract: Abstract Utilizing a unique dataset of the Chinese Academy of Sciences academicians (1993–2013), this paper investigates the Matthew effect in China’s science. Three indicators, namely the concentration index, the Matthew index and the coefficient of variation, are adopted to measure the uneven distribution of academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences among different regions and disciplines. The empirical analysis demonstrates the existence of the Matthew effect in China’s science for the above two dimensions. Yet, this effect has weakened for all regions with the exception of Beijing. We argue that this uneven distribution of the nation’s brightest minds makes scientifically competitive regions and disciplines even more competitive while putting those less developed regions and research domains at further disadvantage.

Keywords: Matthew effect; Science and technology policy; Academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11192-014-1502-5

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