Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Discussion Papers on Economics,
University of Southern Denmark, Department of Economics

No 6/2021: Originality, influence, and success: A model of creative style

Karol Jan Borowiecki () and Caterina Adelaide Mauri ()
Additional contact information
Karol Jan Borowiecki: Department of Business and Economics, Postal: University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
Caterina Adelaide Mauri: Department of Business and Economics, Postal: University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark

Abstract: Creative workers strive to achieve success and influence by producing original output. In this paper we introduce a model of style, which enables us to define and measure originality and influence. We apply the model to classical music composed since the 15th century. Using extensive data on the content of musical compositions, popular success, and biographical information, we apply and test the proposed methodology. We find that more original composers tend to be more influential upon the work of their later peers and more successful with present-day audiences. A positive association between originality and influence also holds across works by a given composer. This opens paths for numerous other applications of this methodology.

Keywords: Creativity; innovation; influence; style; music history; creative industries

JEL-codes: J24; N30; O31; Z11

47 pages, July 6, 2021

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