An international research team led by the University of Zurich has reviewed over 200 academic studies, revealing that success is shaped by hidden social forces as much as by talent, effort, or luck. The study highlights how intuition about these forces is often misleading and maps how recent research challenges long-held assumptions.
The findings have implications for policy, education, and careers. The authors argue that a better understanding of success could lead to social systems where achievement more accurately reflects talent, quality, and societal values—ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of background.
The review spans disciplines such as sociology, economics, computer science, and management, covering fields from science and business to the arts. It uncovers key insights that overturn common beliefs about success.
Failure helps
For instance, failure—often seen as a career setback—can be a predictor of future achievement. One study found that scientists who failed early in securing research funding were more likely to produce groundbreaking work later than those who succeeded immediately. Similarly, in entrepreneurship, those who fail faster tend to learn more and build stronger companies. Since many systems reward early success, reinforcing inequality, these findings highlight the need to rethink how talent is identified and nurtured.
The study also challenges assumptions about social networks and their influence on careers, product success, and problem-solving teams. Many believe celebrity endorsements are the best way to popularize a product, yet research suggests that convincing a small, well-connected group of “bridge” individuals—who link different social communities—is more effective at driving widespread adoption.
Networks also shape careers. Studies show that different types of connections offer distinct advantages. Weak ties—distant acquaintances—introduce people to new jobs and ideas, while strong ties—close colleagues and mentors—aid in learning complex skills and gaining support. A large-scale LinkedIn experiment found that the best job opportunities often come from “moderately weak” ties—not close contacts, but not complete strangers either.
Uneven access
Yet access to beneficial social networks is not evenly distributed. Research on the US film industry, for example, shows that while gender diversity improves team performance, women often lack connections to key decision-makers. This structural barrier limits their access to opportunities and career advancement.
The researchers stress that future studies should explore how cultural norms, inequality, policy interventions, and algorithms shape success.
“There is growing debate about whether we live in equitable meritocracies. The biases uncovered in the literature challenge the idea that success is purely based on individual ability and effort,” they note.
“The positive takeaway is that a scientific understanding of success dynamics can help policymakers and organizations create more meritocratic, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The goal should not be to optimize existing success metrics, but to build better social systems.”
