[michaelt]

It would be interesting to see these results cross-checked, by applying the methods from one job to another - for example by applying the methods used for law and engineering (Cross-country regression of GDP on <job> per capita) to the other fields listed.

Personally I find the results presented surprising - especially the claim of research being worth 25% of GDP, which seems very high to me.

[thrden]

I agree, they said that they were basing the externality on how much people would theoretically pay for longevity. That number is very likely to be inflated, as people are likely "willing to pay" more than they may be actually able to pay. Further not all research is medical longevity enhancement research. Overall it seems very sloppy.