Scientific collaboration dynamics in a national scientific system

Anuška Ferligoj (), Luka Kronegger (), Franc Mali (), Tom A. B. Snijders () and Patrick Doreian ()
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Anuška Ferligoj: University of Ljubljana
Luka Kronegger: University of Ljubljana
Franc Mali: University of Ljubljana
Tom A. B. Snijders: University of Groningen
Patrick Doreian: University of Ljubljana

Scientometrics, 2015, vol. 104, issue 3, No 17, 985-1012

Abstract: Abstract This paper examines the collaboration structures and dynamics of the co-authorship network of all Slovenian researchers. Its goal is to identify the key factors driving collaboration and the main differences in collaboration behavior across scientific fields and disciplines. Two approaches to modelling network dynamics are combined in this paper: the small-world model and the mechanism of preferential attachment, also known as the process of cumulative advantage. Stochastic-actor-based modelling of co-authorship network dynamics uses data for the complete longitudinal co-authorship networks for the entire Slovenian scientific community from 1996 to 2010. We confirmed the presence of clustering in all fields and disciplines. Preferential attachment is far more complex than a single global mechanism. There were two clear distinctions regarding collaboration within scientific fields and disciplines. One was that some fields had an internal national saturation inhibiting further collaboration. The second concerned the differential impact of collaboration with scientists from abroad on domestic collaboration. In the natural, technical, medical, and biotechnical sciences, this promotes collaboration within the Slovenian scientific community while in the social sciences and humanities this inhibits internal collaboration.

Keywords: Scientific collaboration; Co-authorship networks; Network dynamics; Bibliometry; Small world; Preferential attachment; Stochastic-actor-based model; SIENA; Cluster analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (29)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11192-015-1585-7

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