In the chapter, we focus on the main quantitative approaches dealing with the structure and dynamics of scientific collaboration networks through co-authored publications. We provide a brief history of social network analysis that serves as a foundation. We further review earlier conceptual classifications of co-authorship networks and distinguish cross-disciplinarily, cross-sectoral and cross-national levels. We couple the newer ideas of “small world” models and “preferential attachment” to older sociological conceptions of scientific collaboration. This is followed by descriptions of deterministic and stochastic models that have been used to study dynamic scientific collaboration networks. We stress the importance of delineating the topology of collaboration networks, understanding micro-level processes and then coupling them. We conclude by outlining the strengths and limitations of various modelling strategies.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31116125
The article addresses some issues related to the definition and analysis of scientific collaboration. Starting from general presentations of the studies of Slovenian co-authorship networks of researchers in four different disciplines, the article tries to point out if there are any differences between disciplines which are more committed to “Mode 1” production of knowledge and disciplines which are committed to “Mode 2” production of knowledge. The research is based on bibliometric analysis of co-authorship networks, a quantitative on-line survey among the scientists and qualitative interviews among a small group of leading representatives of the scientific community and R&D policy institutions in Slovenia.
COBISS.SI-ID: 32989021
We combine two seemingly distinct perspectives regarding the modeling of network dynamics. One perspective is found in the work of physicists and mathematicians who formally introduced the small world model and the mechanism of preferential attachment. The other perspective is sociological and focuses on the process of cumulative advantage and considers the agency of individual actors in a network. We test hypotheses, based on work drawn from these perspectives, regarding the structure and dynamics of scientific collaboration networks. The data we use are for four scientific disciplines in the Slovene system of science. The results deal with the overall topology of these networks and specific processes that generate them. The two perspectives can be joined to mutual benefit. Within this combined approach, the presence of small-world structures was confirmed. However preferential attachment is far more complex than advocates of a single autonomous mechanism claim.
COBISS.SI-ID: 30657885
This article deals with the impact of external R&D evaluations as one of the institutional factors that can encourage (or discourage) the progress of the social sciences. A critical overview is presented of the increasing use of bibliometric indicators in the external R&D evaluation procedures employed by the Slovenian Research Agency, which is the leading research council for financing the public sector of social sciences in Slovenia. We attempt to establish that, in order to ensure a good external R&D evaluation practice for a small social science community, it is insufficient to only have reliable bibliometric meta-databases. It is argued that it is equally important to formulate very precise criteria to ascertain their validity.
COBISS.SI-ID: 32379229
The paper presents the characteristics and trends of scientific collaboration in Slovenia. We find the bibliometric analysis of scientific co-authorship to be one of the most useful approaches to the study of this phenomenon. We discuss the implications of scientific collaboration for professional career development. In the paper’s theoretical part, general issues and strategies of scientific collaboration in connection with career paths are outlined. The focus then moves to global trends, featuring the growth of science collaboration and a micro-level analysis of the benefits of scientific collaboration. In the empirical part, the collaboration practices of a selected groups of Slovenian researchers are presented by concentrating on bibliometric indicators as well as scientists’ opinions of a selected group of Slovenian scientists. The analysis of the bibliographic data confirms differences in publication cultures among different scientific disciplines. Further, the analysis of the scientists’ responses indicates the pragmatic nature of scientific collaboration, particularly in terms of better access to skills, techniques and equipment. Scientific collaboration appears to be one of the most important factors in increasing publication productivity, which is crucial to the development of scientific careers.
COBISS.SI-ID: 32856413