The Input Relationship between Coauthors in Economics : A Production Function Approach

This study addresses the question of what is the relative input relationship between coauthors in economics. Using the direct addilog production function, the partial elasticities of substitution between coauthors are estimated. The empirical results suggest that coauthors in economics are equivalent substitutes in production. The empirical results are robust whether the direct addilog production is estimated using each coauthor's research capital stock, depreciated research capital stock, impact-adjusted research capital stock, or depreciated impact-adjusted research capital stock. The results are consistent with the diversification against risk hypothesis that equally capable researchers merge to reduce the risk of publication rejection