The evolution of the graduation-publication process

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of the graduation-publication process of economics PhDs over the past three decades. Using data on their first publications in top economics journals, we find that the process has considerably slowed down. The number of pages, authors and informal collaborators per article, and the PhD's place of work can partially explain the increase in the length between graduation and the first publication. Other factors, such as the expansion of the economics profession, the fall in the acceptance rate of the top journals, and the increase in the competition across and within cohorts also account for the longer duration between graduation and publication. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.