The Local Influence of Pioneer Investigators on Technology Adoption: Evidence from New Cancer Drugs / Leila Agha, David Molitor.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Agha, Leila.

Contributor:

National Bureau of Economic Research.

Molitor, David.

Series:

Working Paper Series (National Bureau of Economic Research) no. w20878.

NBER working paper series no. w20878

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);

Other Title:

Local Influence of Pioneer Investigators on Technology Adoption

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2015.

Summary:

Local opinion leaders may play a key role in easing information frictions associated with technology adoption. This paper analyzes the influence of physician investigators who lead clinical trials for new cancer drugs. By comparing diffusion patterns across 21 new cancer drugs, we separate correlated regional demand for new technology from information spillovers. Patients in the lead investigator's region are initially 36% more likely to receive the new drug, but utilization converges within four years. We also find that "superstar " physician authors, measured by trial role or citation history, have broader influence than less prominent authors.

Notes:

Print version record

January 2015.