Edge Factors: Scientific Frontier Positions of Nations.

ABSTRACT: A key decision in scientific work is whether to build on novel or well-established ideas. Because exploiting new ideas is often harder than more conventional science, novel work can be especially dependent on interactions with colleagues, the training environment, and ready access to potential collaborators. Location may thus influence the tendency to pursue work that is close to the edge of the scientific frontier in the sense that it builds on recent ideas. We calculate for each nation its position relative to the edge of the scientific frontier by measuring its propensity to build on relatively new ideas in biomedical research. Text analysis of 20+ million publications shows that the United States and South Korea have the highest tendencies for novel science. China has become a leader i

SUBMITTER: Packalen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6818715 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature