The Pop-Up Journal Initiative

A new model for answering big questions in social science

Pop-up journals curate and synthesize evidence around specific, policy-relevant questions — assembling research, tracking expert views, and delivering accessible answers to the decision-makers who need them. Funded by Coefficient Giving and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

How It Works

01

Identify

Decision-makers and scholars identify a specific, policy-relevant question where rigorous understanding is needed.

02

Curate

A host organization assembles a steering committee, commissions and curates research, and tracks expert views over a period of five years.

03

Synthesize

Annual issues provide an accessible synthesis of progress, highlight pivotal new data, and communicate the most likely answers to the key question.

The Griliches Question

Launching 2026

What is the social return on investment of R&D?

The first pop-up journal takes on one of the most consequential questions in innovation economics: how much do societies benefit from investing in research and development? Over multiple years, this effort will assemble evidence, commission new research, and track how expert consensus is evolving.

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Get Involved

For Researchers

A consortium of funders is supporting primary research on the Griliches Question. If your work can contribute to our understanding of the return on R&D, we encourage you to submit a letter of inquiry.

Explore funding opportunities →

For Funders

Interested in launching a pop-up journal on a question important to your stakeholders? We're happy to share advice, resources, and contacts — or to discuss active partnership.

Get in touch →