The structure of R&D collaboration networks in the European Framework Programmes

Roediger-Schluga, Thomas and Barber, Michael J. (2006). The structure of R&D collaboration networks in the European Framework Programmes. UNU-MERIT.

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  • Author Roediger-Schluga, Thomas
    Barber, Michael J.
    Title The structure of R&D collaboration networks in the European Framework Programmes
    Publication Date 2006
    Publisher UNU-MERIT
    Abstract Using a large and novel data source, we study the structure of R&D collaboration net-works in the first five EU Framework Programmes (FPs). The networks display proper-ties typical for complex networks, including scale-free degree distributions and the small-world property. Structural features are common across FPs, indicating similar network formation mechanisms despite changes in governance rules. Several findings point towards the existence of a stable core of interlinked actors since the early FPs with integration increasing over time. This core consists mainly of universities and research organisations. We observe assortative mixing by degree of projects, but not by degree of organisations. Unexpectedly, we find only weak association between central projects and project size, suggesting that different types of projects attract different groups of actors. In particular, large projects appear to have included few of the pivotal actors in the networks studied. Central projects only partially mirror funding priorities, indicating field-specific differences in network structures. The paper concludes with an agenda for future research.
    Keyword R&D development collaboration
    EU framework programmes
    Complex networks
    Small world effect
    Centrality measures
    European research area
    JEL L14
    O38
    Z13
    Copyright Holder UNU-MERIT
    Copyright Year 2006
    ISSN 1871-9872
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    Created: Wed, 11 Dec 2013, 16:06:31 JST