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Econometric Approaches to the Analysis of Productivity of R&D Systems

Production Functions and Production Frontiers

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Handbook of Quantitative Science and Technology Research

Abstract

In this chapter we review and discuss the potential and limitations of econometric methods for the evaluation of productivity of scientific and technological (S&T) systems. We examine and compare the main approaches that have been applied in the literature: the production function and the production frontier approach. Both approaches present advantages and disadvantages. In the first part of the chapter we carry out a selective review of the two fields. In the second part we focus on the last developments of the efficiency analysis literature, with particular attention to the nonparametric approach. An illustration of the potential of robust nonparametric techniques is offered using data from the Italian National Research Council (CNR). The chapter concludes by discussing the potential of these approaches for the analysis of S&T systems beyond the existing applications.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy

    Andrea Bonaccorsi

  2. Institute for Informatics and Telematics - CNR and Sanť Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy

    Cinzia Daraio

Authors
  1. Andrea Bonaccorsi
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  2. Cinzia Daraio
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Science and Technology Studies, University of Leiden, The Netherlands

    Henk F. Moed

  2. Steunpunt O&O Statistieken, K.U. Leuven, Belgium

    Wolfgang Glänzel

  3. Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, Karlsruhe, Germany

    Ulrich Schmoch

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Bonaccorsi, A., Daraio, C. (2004). Econometric Approaches to the Analysis of Productivity of R&D Systems. In: Moed, H.F., Glänzel, W., Schmoch, U. (eds) Handbook of Quantitative Science and Technology Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-2755-9_3

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