Francisca Antman, University of Colorado - Boulder

Innovation Nation: evidence from Broadening Access to PhD Training in the US

Abstract: The United States rose to become a global leader in scientific research in the early 20th Century. Using comprehensive data matching the universe of ProQuest Ph.D. recipients to the full count decennial US Censuses (1850-1940), this paper investigates how access to Ph.D. training facilitated research manpower in the US during this critical period. Evidence from our event study design suggests that opening one more Ph.D. program during the peak ages of graduate study induces about 2 more Ph.D. recipients per 1 million people born in that state. Furthermore, the expansion of Ph.D. programs improved access for minority, immigrant, and lower socioeconomic status families. We also find that the location and field of study of the Ph.D. program openings help to determine the institution and research area of doctoral recipients.