Research networking and technology fusion through EU-funded collaborative projects

Abstract

This paper examines the EU-funded research networks formed in three emerging areas of the information and communication technologies field. Social network analysis is employed to investigate network structure and dynamics, and examine the role of the participating organizations over a 12-year period. Visualization techniques are used to highlight the research linkages between various actors. Empirical results suggest that the networks are highly connected, structured around a core of key actors, mainly large firms, prestigious universities and research centres. Networking activity seems to be enhancing research collaboration patterns among actors with diverse technological backgrounds. An important policy implication is that EU collaborative networks may significantly contribute to forming technology fusion, one of the major sources of contemporary innovations.