Research collaboration at a distance: Changing spatial patterns of scientific collaboration within Europe

This study analyses the changing effect of physical distance and territorial borders (regional, national, language) on the intensity of research collaboration across European regions. Using data on all co-publications between 313 regions in 33 European countries for the period 2000–2007, we find tha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Research policy 2010-06, Vol.39 (5), p.662-673
Main Authors: Hoekman, Jarno, Frenken, Koen, Tijssen, Robert J.W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Borders
Co-publication counts
Collaboration
Cooperation
Economic policy
Europe
European integration
Gravity equation
R&D
Research & development
Research collaboration
Research collaboration European integration Co-publication counts Gravity equation Spatial proximity
Science
Scientific research
Social change
Spatial proximity
Studies
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Summary:This study analyses the changing effect of physical distance and territorial borders (regional, national, language) on the intensity of research collaboration across European regions. Using data on all co-publications between 313 regions in 33 European countries for the period 2000–2007, we find that the bias to collaborate with physically proximate partners did not decrease, while the bias towards collaboration within territorial borders did decrease over time. Our results show that the ongoing process of European integration is removing territorial borders, but does not render collaboration less sensitive to physical distance. Given this general trend, there is considerable heterogeneity between regions and countries in their propensity to collaborate which we attribute to differences in size, quality and accessibility. The findings and conclusions are framed within the context of European research policies.
ISSN:0048-7333
1873-7625
DOI:10.1016/j.respol.2010.01.012