Prominent but Less Productive: The Impact of Interdisciplinarity on Scientists' Research

TL;DR

This paper empirically examines whether interdisciplinary research (IDR) leads to more impactful scientific outcomes and explores the potential costs associated with pursuing IDR.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on the benefits and costs of IDR, addressing a gap in understanding its actual impact on scientific productivity and innovation.

Findings

IDR is associated with higher scientific impact but lower productivity.

Researchers engaging in IDR face higher costs and challenges.

IDR's benefits vary across disciplines and research contexts.

Abstract

Inter-disciplinary research (IDR) is being promoted by federal agencies and universities nationwide because it presumably spurs transformative, innovative science. In this paper we bring empirical data to assess whether IDR is indeed beneficial, and whether costs accompany potential benefits.