Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Africa Villanueva Felez
Author-Name-First: Africa
Author-Name-Last: Villanueva Felez
Author-Name: Paul Benneworth
Author-Name-First: Paul
Author-Name-Last: Benneworth
Author-Name: Jordi Molas‐Gallart
Author-Name-First: Jordi
Author-Name-Last: Molas‐Gallart
Title: Resources exchange patterns with diverse	institutional partners within R&D collaborative relationships
Abstract: This study addresses the nature of the networks which researchers use to access resources focusing on the nature of network‐mediated resource exchanges and the
relationship to	those network connection strengths. Innovation literature tends to assume that for research collaboration weak ties – allowing	loose coupling – are	
optimal, and it is precisely that notion that we seek to test here. This paper addresses the manner in which relational and institutional traits interact in R&D relationships,	 and specifically the institutional context and functional	
characteristics	 of a tie between two researchers. We use Granovetter’s network theory to conceptualise scientific network functioning in R&D collaborative relationships, classifying ties into strong and weak ties. We then analyse how	
actors’	institutional contexts (and their similarity or	difference) affect how researchers conduct resources exchanges. We argue ‘tie characteristics’ can predict different patterns of exchange behaviours depending on partners’ 
institutional affiliations. Our findings stress that institutional affiliation determines which	tie characteristics are in the best interest for the access to resources to take place.	
Length: 34 pages
Creation-Date: 2015
File-URL: https://ris.utwente.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/14233743
File-Format: Application/pdf
Number: 201506
Keywords: university‐industry interactions, researcher networks, R&D networks, R&D collaboration, tie strength,	institutional distance
Handle: RePEc:chs:wpachs:201506