ABSTRACT
To explore the functional mechanism of interest similarity in collaboration efficiency, this paper focuses on the process of technological collaboration from time and space dimensions. Specifically, I established a two-dimension model, from which the collaboration process was divided into initial and mature stages, considering time angle and was divided into intra-regional and trans-regional collaborations, considering the spatial angle. Collecting data from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the results indicate that when technicians are in the same region, the more similar their interests, the higher their collaboration efficiency. When technicians carry out trans-regional collaboration, interest similarity has a U-shaped effect on collaboration efficiency in the initial stage of collaboration. Collaboration efficiency decreases due to the distrust of similar content distribution, and with the continuous consolidation of collaboration relationships, collaboration efficiency improves. In the mature stage, interest similarity affects collaboration efficiency positively. The findings provide suggestions for technicians to choose appropriate partners.
Acknowledgments
The author wish to appreciate the valuable comments of the anonymous reviewers. All errors remain the sole responsibility of the author.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 For more information see: http://npd.nsfc.gov.cn/.
3 For more information see: http://www.sohu.com/a/143648492_124767
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Wenhui Pan
Dr. Wenhui Pan is a lecturer in the Department of Economics and Management, Xi'an University of Posts & Telecommunications, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. Her research areas cover knowledge discovery and management, network analysis and empirical research, specifically how network structure affects knowledge sharing.
Wenhui Pan focuses on scientific network, especially the relationship between network structure and research innovation in order to discover how scholars select their research topics and team members to increase innovation. She uses network characteristics to analyze research trend and directions. In last years, she has published papers including:
1. Wenhui Pan, Pengwei Zhao, Xianfeng Ding. 2019. The Effects of Network Structure on Research Innovation: An Analysis from a Content Perspective Using the Data of R&D Funding. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management 31 (12): 1430-1446. (SSCI), 000471393700001.
2. Wenhui Pan, Pengwei Zhao, Chunxiu Qin, Xianfeng Ding. 2020. How Do New Members Affect the Relationship Between Principal Investigator's Network Position and Academic Output of Granted Fund? Evaluation and Program Planning 78: 101744. (SSCI), 000501619500011.
3. Wenhui Pan, Pengwei Zhao, Xianfeng Ding. 2022. How to Design Collaboration Strategies in High-Output and Low-Output Networks: Considering the Role of Internal Social Capital. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, (SSCI), Online, 000686403200001.