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  • October 2020
  • Article
  • American Economic Journal: Applied Economics

The Elasticity of Science

By: Kyle Myers
  • Format:Print
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Abstract

This paper identifies the degree to which scientists are willing to change the direction of their work in exchange for resources. Data from the National Institutes of Health are used to estimate how scientists respond to targeted funding opportunities. Inducing a scientist to change their direction by a small amount—to work on marginally different topics—requires a substantial amount of funding in expectation. The switching costs of science are large. The productivity of grants is also estimated, and it appears the additional costs of targeted research may be more than offset by more productive scientists pursuing these grants.

Keywords

Scientists; Funding; Research; Change

Citation

Myers, Kyle. "The Elasticity of Science." American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 12, no. 4 (October 2020): 103–134.
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About The Author

Kyle R. Myers

Technology and Operations Management
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  • Productivity Beliefs and Efficiency in Science By: Fabio Bertolotti, Kyle R. Myers and Wei Yang Tham
  • Small Business Innovation Applied to National Needs By: Kyle Myers, Lauren Lanahan and Evan E. Johnson
  • Myeloma Investment Fund By: Kyle Myers and Scott Sawaya
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