Scientific collaboration dynamics in a national scientific system

Area of Science:

• Bibliometrics
• Network Science
• Sociology of Science

Background:

• Understanding scientific collaboration is crucial for advancing research.
• Co-authorship networks offer insights into research dynamics and knowledge dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze collaboration structures and dynamics within the Slovenian scientific community.
• To identify factors influencing collaboration and differences across disciplines.
• To model co-authorship network dynamics using established network theories.

Main Methods:

• Stochastic-actor-based modeling of co-authorship networks.
• Integration of small-world network models and preferential attachment (cumulative advantage).
• Analysis of longitudinal co-authorship data for the Slovenian scientific community (1996-2010).

Main Results:

• Clustering (small-world properties) is present across all scientific fields.
• Preferential attachment dynamics are complex and not globally uniform.
• National saturation inhibits collaboration in certain fields.
• International collaboration impacts domestic collaboration differently across disciplines.

Conclusions:

• International collaboration positively influences domestic ties in natural, technical, medical, and biotechnical sciences.
• International collaboration negatively impacts domestic ties in social sciences and humanities.
• Collaboration patterns are influenced by a combination of internal and external factors, varying by scientific domain.