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American Economic Review

ISSN 0002-8282 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7981 (Online)

Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent

  • Sebastian Hager
  • Carlo Schwarz
  • Fabian Waldinger
American Economic Review
vol. 114, no. 12, December 2024
(pp. 4052–90)
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Abstract

We study how performance metrics affect the allocation of talent by exploiting the introduction of the first citation database in science. For technical reasons, it only covered citations from certain journals and years, creating quasi-random variation: some citations became visible, while others remained invisible. We identify the effects of citation metrics by comparing the predictiveness of visible to invisible citations. Citation metrics increased assortative matching between scientists and departments by reducing information frictions over geographic and intellectual distance. Highly cited scientists from lower-ranked departments ("hidden stars") and from minorities benefited more. Citation metrics also affected promotions and NSF grants, suggesting Matthew effects.

Citation

Hager, Sebastian, Carlo Schwarz, and Fabian Waldinger. 2024. "Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent." American Economic Review, 114 (12): 4052–90. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20230515

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • A14 Sociology of Economics
  • I23 Higher Education; Research Institutions
  • J44 Professional Labor Markets; Occupational Licensing