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Title: Scientific collaboration formation: network mechanisms, bonding social capital, and particularized trust in US-China collaboration on COVID-19-related research
Given the disruptions COVID-19 caused to normal research processes, including inter- national collaboration, this study sought to understand scientists’ experiences collabo- rating internationally during the pandemic on COVID-19-related research. Specifically, it explored US scientists’ tie formation and reasons for international research collabora- tion with Chinese scientists. The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods design collecting interview and survey data from US scientists who co-published articles related to COVID-19 with Chinese scientists. The findings revealed the role of network mechanisms, such as transitivity, opportunity of contact, and homophily, in promoting rela- tionship formation and maintenance. Moreover, they showed the greater role that bonding social capital played in helping scientists access valuable knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance their research potential. Lastly, they demonstrated how particularized trust based on prior interactions and experiences encouraged relationship formation and col- laboration between US and Chinese scientists. Together, these results provide new insights in informing future policies and guidelines related to supporting international collaboration and, ultimately, shared pandemic challenges.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2129476
PAR ID:
10456027
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Higher Education
ISSN:
0018-1560
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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