Scientometrics as a Limiting Factor of Economic Researches: the Evidence From the USA

Abstract

The article reveals the deterrent eff ect of the scientometric factor on the development of economic research based on the analysis of publication activity in American economic journals. The author systematizes the main trends in the development of modern economic research. It is shown that publications in the top fi ve journals in the United States infl uence the direction of research in the economy, career paths and the reputation of young researchers, decisions of funding agencies, as well as the ratings of departments and universities. Diff erences in citation rates between the top fi ve journals and other top-level journals are noted. It is shown that the orientation to publications in the top “fi ve” as the main scientometric indicator stimulates careerism and restrains the development of new ideas. Possible ways of overcoming the existing institutional trap are considered.