ABSTRACT
As in other disciplines, economic research is expected to be original. Originality is what is required to obtain a PhD in Economics and to publish in economics journals. Leading Economics faculties throughout the world emphasise the importance of creative research on their public websites. The following quotes by leading institutions illustrate this: “The dissertation must be based on original research and represent a significant contribution to the body of Economic knowledge” (University of California); “Award of the PhD is dependent on the completion and defence of an original research thesis” (LSE); and, “Throughout the program, there are formal provisions for students to engage in original research work” (MIT). Originality is not only valued in the PhD thesis but also the published scientific paper as both are the product of creative research.
