The 'Economy of Memory': Publications, Citations, and the Paradox of Effective Research Governance

Abstract

More recent advancements in digital technologies have significantly alleviated the dissemination of new scientific ideas as well as the storing, searching and retrieval of large amounts of published research findings. While not denying the benefits of this novel 'economy of memory,' this paper endeavors to shed light on the ways in which the use of digital technologies may be linked to a distortion of the system of formal publications that facilitates the effective dissemination and collaborative building of scientific knowledge. Through combining three different strands of discussion that are often left separate - those pertaining to the cognitive effects of new technological memory systems..