An Investigation on the Use by Academic Researchers of Knowledge from Scientific Social Networking Sites

Vincenzo Corvello, Maria Cristina Chimenti, Carlo Giglio and Saverino Verteramo
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Vincenzo Corvello: Energy and Management Engineering, Department of Mechanical, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Maria Cristina Chimenti: Energy and Management Engineering, Department of Mechanical, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Carlo Giglio: Environmental and Material Engineering, Department of Civil, Energy, Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Saverino Verteramo: Energy and Management Engineering, Department of Mechanical, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 22, 1-16

Abstract: Scientific social networking sites like ResearchGate or Academia.edu have become part of the work practice of academic researchers. These digital platforms have been designed precisely to encourage the exchange of knowledge between scholars and to help the expansion of collaborative networks among them. Even if studies on this topic have multiplied in recent years, there is a dearth of research on the actual impact of these platforms on scientific production. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between the attitude of researchers towards scientific social networks and the use of knowledge in their scientific work. Data from users of the scientific social networking site ResearchGate were collected. A total of 143 valid responses were received and structural equation modeling was applied for data analysis. Findings of this study confirmed that researchers use knowledge obtained from scientific social networking sites both incorporating it within their research products and to acquire new competences. In particular approaching the platform as a scientific community with a shared language and a shared vision was found to have a positive impact on knowledge use. To the best knowledge of the authors this is the first study investigating the actual use of knowledge from scientific social networking sites by academic researchers. Results help us to understand the impact of these platforms on the work practice of a strategic sector like scientific research.

Keywords: scientific social network; knowledge network; academic research; knowledge transfer; collaboration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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