The geographic proximity effect on domestic cross-sector vis-a-vis intra-sector research collaborations

TL;DR

This study examines how geographic proximity influences different types of research collaborations within Italy, revealing variations across disciplines and collaboration types, with implications for policy and research evaluation.

Contribution

It provides a detailed bibliometric analysis of geographic proximity effects on domestic research collaborations across sectors and disciplines in Italy.

Findings

Geographic proximity varies significantly across collaboration types.

Cross-sector collaborations are more sensitive to geographic distance.

Results inform policies to promote effective research collaborations.

Abstract

Geographic proximity is acknowledged to be a key factor in research collaborations. Specifically, it can work as a possible substitute for institutional proximity. The present study investigates the relevance of the "proximity" effect for different types of national research collaborations. We apply a bibliometric approach based on the Italian 2010-2017 scientific production indexed in the Web of Science. On such dataset, we apply statistical tools for analyzing if and to what extent geographical distance between co-authors in the byline of a publication varies across collaboration types, scientific disciplines, and along time. Results can inform policies aimed at effectively stimulating cross-sector collaborations, and also bear direct practical implications for research performance assessments.