Introduction. The article considers the transformation processes of the scientific activity value framework and their impact on the quality of scientific information as an economic benefit. Theoretical analysis. The starting point of the analysis is the norms of the scientific community formulated in the works of R. Merton. Еmpirical analysis. Based on the premise that science is becoming an endogenous component of the general socio-economic development, the authors seek to show, using examples and statistical material, the deviations of real scientific activity in different countries from the informal institutional framework defined by the sociology of science. According to economic theory, the increase in the number of researchers in science should have led to an increase in the quality of products and a decrease in their price for buyers. However, current processes in science demonstrate deviations from economic models for other types of human activity, and the validity of J. Akerlof’s provisions on squeezing out «good» knowledge by “bad” knowledge is recorded in relation to the current stage of scientific activity. Results. As a conclusion, the authors propose the statement that in practice, “Mertonian” norms come into fundamental conflict with the practice of the scientific and technological race, which requires appropriate scientific reflection and research development in this direction.