Publications

Creativity Under Fire: The Effects of Competition on Creative Production

forthcoming at The Review of Economics and Statistics

Abstract (click to expand)

Final working paper version | Online appendix

Press: New York Times, Inc.com, LiveMint, FinWeek, VoxEU, HBS Working Knowledge

Collusive Investments in Technological Compatibility: Lessons from U.S. Railroads in the Late 19th Century

forthcoming at Management Science

Abstract (click to expand)

Final working paper version | Online appendix

Scale versus Scope in the Diffusion of New Technology: Evidence from the Farm Tractor

RAND Journal of Economics, 49(2), 427-452. 2018. 

Abstract (click to expand)

Final working paper version | Online appendix

Performance Feedback in Competitive Product Development

RAND Journal of Economics, 48(2), 438-466. 2017.

Abstract (click to expand)

Final working paper version | Online appendix

Working papers

Automation and the Plight of Young Workers: Evidence from the Automation of Telephone Operation in the Early 20th Century (with James Feigenbaum) draft available upon request

Abstract (click to expand)

Why Do Firms Automate Production, and How Do They Adjust? Evidence from the Bell Telephone System in the Early 20th Century (with James Feigenbaum) draft available upon request

Abstract (click to expand)

The Effects of the World War II Research Effort on the Direction and Geography of U.S. Invention (with Bhaven Sampat, Columbia University) draft available upon request

Abstract (click to expand)

The Consequences of Invention Secrecy: Evidence from the USPTO Patent Secrecy Program in WW2

Abstract (click to expand)

Link to draft (updated 11/28/2019)

Press: NBER Digest (July 2019), HBS Working Knowledge

Projects in progress

The Effects of Automation on Workers, Firms, and Local Labor Markets: Lessons from the U.S. Telephone Industry in the Early 20th Century (with James Feigenbaum, BU)

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• Automation and the Plight of Young Workers: Lessons from the Automation of Telephone Operation in the Early 20th Century

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• Why Do Firms Automate Production, and How Do They Adjust? Evidence from the Bell Telephone System in the Early 20th Century

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• Layoffs, Relocation, or Retraining? Lessons on Managing Automation from AT&T in the Early 20th century

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The Effects of the World War II Research Effort on Postwar U.S. Science, Technology, and Innovation (with Bhaven Sampat, Columbia University)

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• The Effects of the World War II Research Effort on the Direction and Geography of U.S. Invention

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• The Effects of World War II on Research and Product Development in the Life Sciences

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• Government Laboratory Research and the Arc of Scientific Careers

(also with Innessa Colaiacovo, HBS)

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Please contact me for a synopsis of projects in progress.