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Enrico Berkes
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Journal Articles
Publisher: Journals Gateway
The Review of Economics and Statistics 1–45.
Published: 30 April 2024
Abstract
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Between 1883 and 1919, Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of over 1,500 public libraries across the United States, reducing the costs of accessing knowledge for millions. We study the effect of these libraries on innovation. Patenting in recipient places increased on average by 10–12 percent in the 20 years following library construction relative to a novel control group of cities that applied for but did not build libraries. We show that access to scientific knowledge and increased collaboration opportunities are possible mechanisms.
Includes: Supplementary data
Journal Articles
Publisher: Journals Gateway
The Review of Economics and Statistics 1–30.
Published: 06 February 2023
Abstract
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Does social distancing harm innovation? We estimate the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)—policies that restrict interactions in an attempt to slow the spread of disease—on local invention. We construct a panel of issued patents and NPIs adopted by 50 large US cities during the 1918 flu pandemic. Difference-in-differences estimates show that cities adopting longer NPIs did not experience a decline in patenting during the pandemic relative to short-NPI cities, and recorded higher patenting afterward. Rather than reduce local invention by restricting localized knowledge spillovers, NPIs adopted during the pandemic may have preserved other inventive factors.
Includes: Supplementary data