The Matthew effect in China’s science: evidence from academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Xue Yang • Xin Gu • Yuandi Wang • Guangyuan Hu • Li Tang 

Received: 13 September 2014 / Published online: 31 December 2014 

Akade´miai Kiado´, Budapest, Hungary 2014 

Abstract 

Utilizing a unique dataset of the Chinese Academy of Sciences academicians(1993–2013), this paper investigates the Matthew effect in China’s science. Three indicators, namely the concentration index, the Matthew index and the coefficient of variation,are adopted to measure the uneven distribution of academicians of the Chinese Academy ofSciences among different regions and disciplines. The empirical analysis demonstrates theexistence of the Matthew effect in China’s science for the above two dimensions. Yet, thiseffect has weakened for all regions with the exception of Beijing. We argue that thisuneven distribution of the nation’s brightest minds makes scientifically competitive regionsand disciplines even more competitive while putting those less developed regions andresearch domains at further disadvantage. 

Keywords 

Matthew effect  Science and technology policy  Academicians of ChineseAcademy of Sciences