When stars hold power: The impact of returnee deans on academic publications in Chinese universities

Abstract

This study investigates the “stars effect” of recruiting overseas scholars as deans and its impact on academic output in China from 2001 to 2019. We find that appointing a returnee dean increases a department's English publications by 40% annually. This positive effect applies to both top-tier and non-top-tier journals, without crowding out Chinese publications. The magnitude of the effect correlates with the dean's international connections and the ranks of the destination and source institutions. Returnee deans enhance output through knowledge spillovers, expanded networks, and increased overseas personnel, but not additional research grants. Our findings demonstrate the positive role and extensive influence of power-granted talent initiatives in developing regions.