Ockendon-Powell, Nina, Beck, Alice, Hird, Diane, Thomas-Hughes, Helen, Boonham, Neil, Foster, Gary, Bailey, Andy and Cronin, Bruce ORCID: 0000-0002-3776-8924 (2024) Framing conditions, convergence and divergence in developing interdisciplinary research capacity and collaboration: the community network for African vector-borne plant viruses. Social Science Research Network (SSRN):4809499. pp. 1-31. ISSN 1556-5068 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4809499)

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Abstract

Collaboration is necessary for scientific and innovative productivity leading to societal impact. It enables scientific communities to accumulate research capacity and can promote interdisciplinarity. However, there are knowledge gaps regarding the processes by which collaboration develops. Using the case study of an international community network, we explore the effects of convergence and divergence activities and individualized interactions on the emergence of scientific collaboration, leading to research capacity and interdisciplinarity. Using qualitative research methods combined with network analytical techniques, we show that the provision of a sequenced programme of in-person and online events, involving purposeful networking, training and collaborative projects leads to the development of collaborative connections. Additionally, our study demonstrates that the coevolution of suitable framing conditions and distinct convergence and divergence practices contribute to the effective development of collaboration, capacity, and interdisciplinarity. This study is relevant to organizations seeking to enhance scientific collaboration, research capacity and interdisciplinarity within target research communities as it provides clear, actionable approaches for implementation alongside a series of practical suggestions which can be expanded and replicated in different contexts for further benefits realisation.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	collaboration; research capacity; interdisciplinarity; framing conditions; network convergence; network divergence
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) L Education > L Education (General) Q Science > Q Science (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Business
Last Modified:	02 May 2024 10:16
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/46948

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