Beamtimes and knowledge production times: how big-science research infrastructures shape nations’ domestic and international science production

This study investigates the impact of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) on China's scientific output, differentiating between national and international collaborations. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) methodology, the study analyzes SSRF's effects on publication output at the discipline level. Findings indicate SSRF significantly boosted high-impact national publications in relevant disciplines, while the effect on high-impact international publications was less significant. The research highlights big-science infrastructures' dual role in fostering both domestic scientific development and international collaboration.

Xiyi Yang, Xiaoyu Zhou, Cong Cao