Journal of Political Economy Vol. 79 No. 3 1971
Costs and Benefits of Medical Research: A Case Study of Poliomyelitis
Abstract
The paper provides estimates of (1) research expenditures on poliomyelitis, (2) several forms of productivity benefits from applying the knowledge generated by the research, and (3) the costs of applying that knowledge. Internal rates of return are computed under a variety of assumptions, with results generally between 4 and 14 percent. The interrelatedness of research with procedures for applying the research findings is investigated; in the case of polio, the rate of return on research is found to be heavily influenced by the costs of application. Finally, a discussion is included of the likely allocative efficiency of private-market behavior when a collective-consumption good, such as research knowledge, requires the use of an individual-consumption good, such as a vaccination, for its application.
- DOI
- 10.1086/259766
- Volume
- 79
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 527-544
- Language
- en
- Sources
- openalex crossref