Star recruitment and internationalization effects: an analysis of the Alexander von Humboldt professorship programme

Abstract

We investigate the impact of policies aimed at attracting foreign-based star scientists on the internationalisation of host institutions. In particular, we examine the case of the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (AvHP) programme, which - since 2008 - offers substantial funding to top scholars willing to move from abroad to a German university. Based on a difference-in-differences approach, we test whether the university departments that recruit an AvHP recipient increase the number of internationally co-authored publications and the recruitment of new, high-quality researchers from abroad. Results are very heterogeneous across broad scientific fields, with a significant and positive effects in the Social sciences and null or negative results in all others.