Human Capital, Social Capital and Scientific Research in Europe: An Application of Linear Hierarchical Models*

Abstract

The theory of human capital, even if it reckons the importance of time in science, is too short for explaining the existing diversity of scientific output. The paper introduces social capital as a necessary complement to explain the creation of scientific human capital. It connects these two concepts by means of a hierarchical econometric model. Bibliographical databases contain much information which is exploited to figure out collaboration, mobility, publishing habits and institutional characteristics. The two level hierarchical model is estimated on 14 European countries using bibliometric data in the fields of economics.

Exploring the determinants of scientific productivity: a proposed typology of researchers

“…As highlighted in the literature, the analysis of academic human capital does not always lead to understanding the differences in scientific productivity between academics and universities (Goudard and Lubrano, 2012). Human capital is configured as a necessary but insufficient condition to obtain relevant research results.…”

Impact of Social Capital on Career Development

“…Hence, their study introduces social capital as a necessary complement to explain the creation of scientific human capital. Gouard and Lubrano further argue that Coleman (1988) As a result of their study they social capital from an international collaboration perspective is found to be profitable for individuals while internal collaboration is not (Goudard & Lubrano, 2013). …”

“…The proportion of papers that are written alone and with co-authors belonging all to the same department is taken as a point of reference for the degree of cooperation. The result of this study indicated that the international collaboration is profitable for individuals while internal collaboration is not (Goudard and Lubrano, 2013). Coleman (1988) provides justifications for showing how the two notions (human capital and social capital) can work together, by taking the example of education to build his demonstration but he provides no formal mathematical model.…”

Social Capital, Human Capital, and Sustainability: A Bibliometric and Visualization analysis

“…In addition, some bibliometric studies focus on human capital [20] or related areas such as non-financial information [21] and human capital in university research centers [22]. Additionally, some bibliometric analyses focus on the combination of social and human capital [23] in academic research on science and engineering [24]. In fact, bibliometric research has even analyzed social capital related to sustainable forest management [25].…”