Institutional Moat

When a system's resource allocation mechanisms (evaluation, publication, recognition) become established, they self-reinforce the advantages of incumbents, making it nearly impossible for newcomers to break through despite their efforts, creating a structural inequality where winners take all.

Articles on this principle

• The Matthew Effect in Economics Journals: Top 1% Authors Monopolize 78% of Elite Journal Space

  When the number of economists explodes sixfold but top papers jump from 38% to 78% of elite journals—it's not talent concentration, it's the system pulling up the ladder.