Interdisciplinary collaboration in research networks: Empirical analysis of energy-related research in Greece

TL;DR

This paper introduces a combined statistical and network-based approach to analyze interdisciplinary research collaboration in energy-related fields in Greece, revealing how R&D expenditure influences team diversity and knowledge creation.

Contribution

It presents a novel methodology for studying scientific collaboration networks and applies it to energy research in Greece, offering insights into interdisciplinary research dynamics.

Findings

Positive correlation between R&D expenditure and team diversity

Insights into collaboration structure and evolution in Greek energy research

Methodology applicable for designing and evaluating interdisciplinary programs

Abstract

Technological innovation is intimately related to knowledge creation and recombination. In this work we introduce a combined statistical and network-based approach to study collaboration in scientific authorship. We apply it to characterize recent research efforts in renewable energy technology and its intersections with the domains of nanoscience and nanotechnology with focus on materials, and electrical engineering and computer science in Greece and its broader European and international environment as a case study. Using our methods we attempt to illuminate the processes which underlie knowledge creation and diversification in these research networks: a (positive) relationship between expenditure on research and development and the extent and diversity of team-based research at the intersections of the three domains is established. Our specific findings collectively provide insights into the collaboration structure and evolution of energy-related research activity in Greece, while our methodology can be used for evidence-based design, monitoring, and evaluation of interdisciplinary research programs.