The Myth of Global Science Collaboration - Collaboration patterns in epistemic communities

Scientific collaboration is often perceived as a joint global process that involves researchers worldwide, regardless of their place of work and residence. Globalization of science, in this respect, implies that collaboration among scientists takes place along the lines of common topics and irrespective of the spatial distances between the collaborators. The networks of collaborators, termed 'epistemic communities', should thus have a space-independent structure. This paper shows that such a notion of globalized scientific collaboration is not supported by empirical data. It introduces a novel approach of analyzing distance-dependent probabilities of collaboration. The results of the analysis of six distinct scientific fields reveal that intra-country collaboration is about 10-50 times more likely to occur than international collaboration. Moreover, strong dependencies exist between collaboration activity (measured in co-authorships) and spatial distance when confined to national borders. However, the fact that distance becomes irrelevant once collaboration is taken to the international scale suggests a globalized science system that is strongly influenced by the gravity of local science clusters. The similarity of the probability functions of the six science fields analyzed suggests a universal mode of spatial governance that is independent from the mode of knowledge creation in science.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl

Exploring International Legal Governance of Global Solar Fuels

This paper critically examines the role of international law in establishing the appropriate governance framework for enhanced global collaboration on solar fuels. It will particularly evaluate the right to enjoy the benefit of scientific progress and it

India's collaboration in science and technology with Southeast Asian countries

The collaboration in science and technology (S&T) is fast emerging in the scientific world. India recognized the importance of international scientific collaboration in S&T quite early and has signed a number of S&T agreements with South East Asian countries. In this paper, the collaboration is presented through the analysis of co-authored research papers published during the period 1996 to 2000 in the journals covered by the Science Citation Index. The study covers the nature and the areas of S&T collaborations, institutions involved, and the impact of these collaborations on their individual fields. It is revealed that a total of 329 co-authored papers were published during the period. Out of these, 214 were published through bilateral and 115 through multilateral efforts. The priority areas vary with the nature of collaboration as well as with the collaborating country. The institutions involved in these collaborations are also indicated. The research papers analyzed reflect the present status of India’s collaboration in S&T with the South East Asian countries. Such a study will help decision-makers to identify the potential S&T areas for future international cooperation

Collaboration analysis of World National Library websites via webometric methods

This article aimed to study National Library Websites (NLW) using webometric methods. The in-links and co-links to national library websites were analyzed to study: firstly, the visibility of these National libraries on the web. Secondly, the collaboration on national and international level amongst the studied national libraries websites. This study found that according to the in-link count of 38 national library websites, 3 were extremely popular and we can call them the most visible national library websites as they come below: 1. United States of America (http://www.loc.gov); 2. Australia (http://www.nla.gov.au); 3. United Kingdom (http://www.bl.uk). The results of the study also showed that, there were 5 clusters (2 cross continental and 3 international) in the studied national library websites. On the other hand, the multidimensional scaling map showed 4 major collaboration clusters: 2 cross national (both European) and 2 international (European, Asian, American, Australian). African national library websites were not seen in these clusters. It means that, African national libraries have a little collaboration with others through their websites. However, due to the problems of search engines which are used for data collection in webometric studies, this method needs to be used with cautio

Horizontal collaboration between international and local non-governmental organisations : a cross-sectional study regarding the Syrian refugee crisis in Jordan : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Supply Chain Management at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand

Purpose-This thesis seeks to explore supply chain collaboration within a humanitarian context, and to appraise relationships between international non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations during disaster relief. It also aims to identify challenges facing such collaboration in the humanitarian supply chain, and to discover whether effective partnerships contain a set of identifiable facilitators, drivers and mechanisms which promote relationships between local and international NGOs. Design/Methodology/Approach-Literature from both commercial and humanitarian sectors is discussed in the context of horizontal partnerships. A Jordanian cross- sectional study spanning a network of NGOs is explored via semi-structured interviews. Insights are synthesised into a conceptual model of how NGOs can form partnerships during a humanitarian response. Findings-The research provides valuable insights into the challenges facing local and international NGOs when developing partnerships. Four types of challenge are identified: organisational, inter-organisational, external, and donor-related. The conceptual model highlights the essential elements required for effective partnerships. Research limitations/Future research-The research is built on a single cross-sectional study from one country during an extended humanitarian crisis. The majority of the empirical data is only from one actor’s perspective, thus further research into dyadic and network relationships is required. Further investigation is required into approaches to addressing the diverse cultural and decision-making perspectives of local and international NGOs. Practical Implications-Recognising the challenges and major elements to horizontal partnerships between local and international NGOs will assist managers, both at strategic and operational levels, to find solutions and evolve strategies to build effective partnerships. Compromise and consideration for partner’s drivers and cultural views are essential for effective humanitarian relief. Originality/Value- The research extends supply chain collaboration to a humanitarian context. Overcoming the challenges facing collaborative efforts and the complementary nature of the facilitators, drivers, and mechanisms provides a means to achieve effective partnerships. Despite the uniqueness of the humanitarian context, such as the secondary nature of cost and dynamic demand, the core principles of collaboration still hold. Keywords-Humanitarian, supply chain collaboration, partnerships, community-based organisations (CBOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international NGOs (INGOs)

Factorization in integrable systems with impurity

This article is based on recent works done in collaboration with M. Mintchev, E. Ragoucy and P. Sorba. It aims at presenting the latest developments in the subject of factorization for integrable field theories with a reflecting and transmitting impurity.Comment: 7 pages; contribution to the XIVth International Colloquium on Integrable systems, Prague, June 200