A Few Special Cases: Scientific Creativity and Network Dynamics in the Field of Rare Diseases

Massimo Riccaboni () and Maria Laura Frigotto

No 2011/03, DISA Working Papers from Department of Computer and Management Sciences, University of Trento, Italy

Abstract: We develop a model of scientific creativity and test it in the field of rare diseases. Our model is based on the results of an in-depth case study of the Rett syndrome. Archival analysis, bibliometric techniques and expert surveys are combined with network analysis to identify the most creative scientists. First, alternative measures of generative and combinatorial creativity are compared. Then, we generalize our results and present a stochastic model of socio-semantic network evolution. The model predictions are tested with multiple networks of rare disease specialties. We find that new scientific collaborations among experts in a field enhance combinatorial creativity. Instead, high entry rates of novices are negatively related to generative creativity. By extending the set of useful concepts, creative scientists gain in centrality. At the same time, by increasing their centrality in the scientific community, scientists can replicate and generalize their results, thus contributing to a scientific paradigm.

JEL-codes: C63 L14 L26 L65 O31 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 35 pages
Date: 2011-03, Revised 2011-05-24
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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