Collaboration dynamics among institutions in the European research space

Abstract

This paper examines the collaboration dynamics of institutions in the context of project collaboration in European Framework programmes. Its goal is to identify the key factors that promote the formation of collaborative ties among institutions as well as factors that influence the maintenance of collaborative ties when they are already formed. The paper broadly presents the theoretical starting points for the study of scientific networks within the EU, and it is in its empirical part organised around five hypotheses shaped on characteristics of analysed institutions and their positions within the dynamic network. Using valued blockmodeling, the study analyzes data from EU FP projects in the "Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries" theme between 2008 and 2014. The analysis reveals a complex hierarchical structure, characterized by a core–semi-periphery–periphery global structure. The findings confirm the significant role of coordinating institutions in driving European scientific collaboration and highlight the persistent challenges faced by organizations from new member states in securing influential positions. The study also identifies a distinct pattern of lasting collaboration dominated by established European research institutions, with non-European organizations playing limited role in the network.