Network analysis of co-operation between research institutions - example of ESPON Programme

Płoszaj, Adam and Wojnar, Katarzyna (2009): Network analysis of co-operation between research institutions - example of ESPON Programme.

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to characterise ESPON Programme (European Observation Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion) as a network-based international research programme and the evaluation of capacity of network analysis in studying scientific cooperation. Results of the study show that institutions involved in ESPON projects create a dense, closely interconnected network of co-operation. The network is dominated by a limited number of institutions, which are involved in large share of the projects and have the most expanded cooperation network. Spatial analysis proves that there is significant lack of institutions from Central-Eastern Europe in the Programme. Network analysis allowed to identify the most efficient methods for improving the presence of institutions representing new member states in the ESPON co-operation network.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: network analysis, ESPON Programme.
• Subjects: L - Industrial Organization > L3 - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise > L30 - General; R - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics > R1 - General Regional Economics > R10 - General

References

Almendral, J. A., Oliveira, J. G., Lopez, L., Mendes, J. F. F., & Sanjuan, M. A. F. (2007). The network of scientific collaborations within the European framework programme. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 384(2), 675-683.

Barabási A-L. (2003), Linked : how everything is connected to everything else and what it means for business, science, and everyday life, Plume, New York.

Batorski D. (2008), Metody analizy sieci i ich zastosowanie w ewaluacji, [in:] Haber A., Szałaj M., Środowisko i warsztat ewaluacji, PARP, Warszawa.

Besussi E. (2006), Mapping European Research Networks, UCL Working Papers Series (103/2006).

COWI A/S. (2009). Assessment of the Impact of the 6th Framework Programme on new Member States, Final Report: European Commission, DG RTD.

Cross, J. E., Dickmann, E., Newman-Gonchar, R., & Fagan, J. M. (2009). Using Mixed-Method Design and Network Analysis to Measure Development of Interagency Collaboration. The American Journal of Evaluation, 30(3), 310-329.

Eisenberg, M., & Swanson, N. (1996). Organizational network analysis as a tool for program evaluation. Evaluation and the Health Professions, 19, 488-506.

ESPON Coordination Unit. (2003). The ESPON 2006 Programme Complement.

Freeman L. C. (2004), The Development of Social Network Analysis: A Study in the Sociology of Science, Empirical Press, Vancouver.

Garas, A., & Argyrakis, P. (2008). A network approach for the scientific collaboration in the European Framework Programs. EPL, 84, 680-605.

Gorzelak G., Olechnicka A. (ed.) (2009), Polska z perspektywy badań ESPON – oceny, wnioski, rekomendacje, Wydawnictwo Naukowe SCHOLAR, Warszawa.

Hörlesberger, M., & Dachs, B. (2002). Behaviour of the Trans-border Co-operation within the European Framework-Programme.

European Commission. (2004). THE ESPON 2006 PROGRAMME. Programme on the spatial development of an enlarging European Union.

Kopcsa, A., Topolnik, M. C., & Schibany, A. (1999). Bibliometric Network Analysis (BibTechMon) of the 4th Framework Programme of the EU based on CORDIS data. Paper presented at the Workshop of the OECD-NIS Focus Group on Innovative Firm and Innovative Firm Networks.

Malerba, F. (2009). Network Analysis of Research Collaborations. Paper presented at the Taking stock and moving forward conference.

Olechnicka A. (2005), Polskie ośrodki naukowo-badawcze w programie ESPON, Studia Regionalne i Lokalne No. 4(22).

Paier, M., & Scherngell, T. (2008). Modelling collaboration choice in European R&D networks: Empirical insights from the EU Framework Programmes. Paper presented at the 1st ICC Conference on Network Modelling and Economic Systems.

Provan, K. G., Veazie, M. A., Staten, L. K., & Teufel-Shone, N. I. (2005). The Use of Network Analysis to Strengthen Community Partnerships. Public Administration Review, 65(5), 603-603.

Rønnest, A. K. (2009). Assessment on the impact of the 6th Framework Programme on new Member States. Paper presented at the Taking stock and moving forward.

Wasserman S., Faust K. (2007), Social network analysis: methods and applications, Cambridge University Press, New York.