How the formation and growth pattern of science and thechnology collaborative networks affects their sustainability?

Asadifard, Reza; Tabatabaeian, Habibollah; Bamdad Soofi, Jahanyai; Taghva, Mohammad Reza

doi:10.22104/jtdm.2014.61

How the formation and growth pattern of science and thechnology collaborative networks affects their sustainability?

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Reza Asadifard

Habibollah Tabatabaeian

Jahanyai Bamdad Soofi

Mohammad Reza Taghva

10.22104/jtdm.2014.61

Abstract

A wide range of research have been conducted on Science and Technology (S&T) collaborative networks in recent decades, focusing on several aspects. In an extensive study of 5 main S&T networks in I. R. of Iran (founded during 1999-2005), four hypotheses emerged regarding the pattern of network formation and evolution. These hypothesis were categorized into two main approaches according to S&T network formation and evolution namely natural and unnatural patterns. The hypotheses were the results of literature review and in-depth exploratory interviews with key informants of the case networks. To test the hypotheses, a survey was conducted participating representatives of the member institutes (universities, research centers and firms) of the 5 networks. 112 participants from 83 institutes answered the questionnaire. The research concludes that naturally established and developed S&T networks are more sustainable than unnatural ones. There are satisfying consistency between all confirmed hypotheses and the real world status of the case networks,except one. ....

Keywords

"Science and Technology (S&T) collaborative networks"

" Network formation and evolution"

"Natural/unnatural pattern of network formation and growth"

Subjects