A relational conceptual framework for multidisciplinary health research centre infrastructure

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Organizational Studies

Background:

• Multidisciplinary and team-based research are essential for contemporary health challenges.
• Specialized research centers are key organizational solutions, but their success depends on infrastructure funding.
• Research infrastructure is often analytically neglected and narrowly defined as physical or administrative inputs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an expanded conceptualization of research infrastructure.
• To develop a framework integrating tangible and intangible structures for research center functioning.
• To guide the design and evaluation of new or existing research centers.

Main Methods:

• Case analysis of NEXUS, a multidisciplinary health research center at the University of British Columbia.
• Development of a conceptual framework integrating diverse structural components.
• Adoption of a relational approach to assess infrastructure investment returns.

Main Results:

• Research infrastructure encompasses more than just physical assets.
• A conceptual framework was developed integrating tangible and intangible structures.
• A relational approach can better account for infrastructure investment returns.

Conclusions:

• An expanded view of research infrastructure is necessary for effective collaboration.
• The proposed framework offers guidance for designing and evaluating research centers.
• Understanding both tangible and intangible infrastructure is vital for research center productivity and sustainability.