Indo-US Research Collaboration: A Scientometric Analysis of Trends and Impact (1990-2020)

Alapfogalmak

While Indo-US research collaboration volume has increased, its relative share in India's total international collaborations has declined, though it remains highly impactful and rewarding for India in terms of citations.

Kivonat

• Bibliographic Information: Dua, J., Lathabai, H. H., & Singh, V. K. (2023). Indo-US Research Collaboration: strengthening or declining?.
• Research Objective: This study investigates the dynamics of Indo-US research collaboration from 1990 to 2020, examining its growth, impact, and evolving patterns.
• Methodology: The researchers analyzed publication data from the Web of Science database, focusing on publications with authors affiliated with India and the US. They used various scientometric indicators, including Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), Relative Intensity of Collaboration (RIC), and boost indicators for productivity, citation, and citedness.
• Key Findings:
  • Although the absolute number of Indo-US research collaborations has increased, their proportion within India's total international collaborations has decreased.
  • India's RIC with the US has declined, while the US's RIC with India has gradually increased.
  • Indo-US collaborations are highly impactful, leading to a significant citation boost for Indian publications.
  • Collaborations are concentrated in scientific disciplines like Astronomy & Astrophysics, Biology, and Materials Science.
• Main Conclusions: The study suggests that while Indo-US research collaboration remains beneficial for India, it faces potential decline as India diversifies its research partnerships.
• Significance: The findings highlight the evolving landscape of international research collaborations and emphasize the need for India to strategically navigate its research partnerships to maximize impact.
• Limitations and Future Research: The study acknowledges limitations in accessing data beyond Web of Science and suggests further research into factors influencing collaboration trends at individual and institutional levels.

Statisztikák

India's total internationally collaborated research output grew at a CAGR of 15.51% from 1990 to 2020.
Indo-US collaborations constituted approximately one-third of India's total international research output during this period.
The proportion of Indo-US collaborated papers in India's total international collaborations decreased from nearly 45% in 1990 to 27.77% in 2020.
Citations per paper for Indo-US collaborations were significantly higher (31.44) compared to India's overall average (16.78).
India experienced a 10.7% productivity boost and a 22.5% citation boost due to collaborations with the US.
The boost ratio of impact per unit boost in productivity for India was 2.1, indicating a high reward for collaboration with the US.

Idézetek

Főbb Kivonatok

Indo-US Research Collaboration: strengthening or declining?

by Jyoti Dua, H... : arxiv.org 11-25-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2411.15049.pdf

Mélyebb kérdések

How might geopolitical factors and global events influence the future trajectory of Indo-US research collaboration?

Geopolitical factors and global events can significantly impact the trajectory of Indo-US research collaboration, acting as catalysts for both strengthening and hindering factors:
Strengthening Factors:

Shared Global Challenges: Common concerns like climate change, pandemics, and cybersecurity can foster closer collaboration. The article highlights existing collaboration in fields like Astronomy & Astrophysics and Biology, areas with potential for addressing global challenges. Joint research initiatives addressing these challenges can further incentivize collaboration.
Technological Competition: Competition with countries like China might push India and the US to leverage each other's strengths in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration. The article mentions the US valuing India as a research partner, and this dynamic could be amplified in the face of shared competition.
Strategic Convergence: As both democracies navigate a multipolar world, collaborations in strategic sectors like defense technology and space research might deepen. The article doesn't delve into these areas, but future research could explore if Indo-US collaboration extends to these sensitive yet strategically important domains.
Hindering Factors:

Geopolitical Rivalries: Shifting alliances and regional conflicts could create friction, impacting research partnerships. For instance, India's historical ties with Russia might influence US perceptions and funding decisions.
Protectionist Policies: Policies prioritizing domestic research or restricting foreign collaboration could hinder partnerships. The article hints at the need to identify "hindering factors at different levels," and protectionist policies could be one such area for further investigation.
Global Economic Slowdowns: Economic downturns can lead to reduced research funding globally, impacting international collaborations. The article mentions the impact of economic factors on research funding, and future studies could analyze the vulnerability of Indo-US collaborations to such global trends.
The future of Indo-US research collaboration hinges on navigating these complex geopolitical realities.

Could the decline in India's relative intensity of collaboration with the US be attributed to a decrease in US research funding opportunities for Indian researchers?

While the article doesn't directly investigate US research funding trends, attributing the decline in India's relative intensity of collaboration (RIC) solely to decreased US funding would be an oversimplification. Several factors could be at play:
Alternative Funding Sources: India's growing economy might be translating into increased domestic research funding, allowing Indian researchers to be less reliant on US funding. The article highlights India's significant growth in indigenous research output, indicating a potential shift towards self-reliance.
Diversification of Partnerships: The article explicitly states that "India has found newer collaborating partners." This diversification strategy, engaging with countries across continents, could naturally lead to a decline in RIC with any single country, including the US.
Changing Research Priorities: Shifts in research priorities within both countries could also contribute to the changing collaboration landscape. The article focuses on analyzing collaboration patterns across existing Web of Science (WoS) categories, but emerging fields might reveal different trends.
However, the possibility of decreased US funding opportunities for Indian researchers cannot be entirely dismissed. Factors like:

Changes in US Funding Policies: Shifts in US policy focusing on domestic research or specific priority areas could impact funding accessibility for international collaborators.
Increased Competition for Funding: A more competitive global research landscape could mean Indian researchers face stiffer competition for limited US funding opportunities.
Investigating these funding-related aspects would require analyzing trends in US research grants awarded to Indian researchers and comparing them with other international collaborations.

What lessons can be drawn from successful international research collaborations in other fields or regions to further enhance the impact of Indo-US partnerships?

Several successful international research collaborations offer valuable lessons for enhancing Indo-US partnerships:
1. Framework for Joint Funding Programs: The European Union's Horizon Europe program, known for its success in fostering international collaboration, provides a model for joint funding initiatives. The article mentions the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), and learning from Horizon Europe's framework could enhance its effectiveness.
2. Focus on Translational Research: Collaborations like the Human Genome Project, driven by a clear goal of translating research into tangible outcomes, highlight the importance of impact-oriented partnerships. The article emphasizes the need for Indo-US collaborations to be "highly rewarding," and prioritizing translational research could be key.
3. Facilitate Researcher Mobility: Programs like the Fulbright program, known for promoting researcher exchange, can be instrumental in fostering deeper collaboration. Facilitating the movement of researchers between India and the US can lead to stronger partnerships and knowledge transfer.
4. Open Science Practices: Embracing open access publishing and data sharing, as seen in initiatives like the Open Science Framework, can amplify the impact of research. The article highlights the need for Indian researchers to "maximize the reach of their research work," and open science practices can be crucial in this regard.
5. Building Long-Term Relationships: Successful collaborations often involve sustained engagement and trust-building over time. The article analyzes data over three decades, highlighting the long-term nature of Indo-US collaboration. Nurturing these relationships and fostering continuity will be essential for future success.
By incorporating these lessons and proactively addressing potential challenges, Indo-US research collaborations can reach their full potential and contribute significantly to global knowledge creation and problem-solving.