The business of research

摘要

On page 433 of this issue, Plerou et al. provide a quantitative study of the academic research system. Such studies are essential in examining claims as to the success (or otherwise) of the system in general, and forms of funding in particular. Whether the claims come from university scientists or policy makers, anecdote is no substitute for data. The authors find that the growth dynamics of universities in the United States resemble those of business companies. In the same way that market forces operate in business, the peer review system appears to keep competition among scientists sufficiently strong. This intriguing result may mean that there is no need to make academic research at universities more business-like than it is already.