Linking Effectively: International Cooperation in Science and Technology

Abstract:

Creating international linkages in science and technology (S&T) can benefit many of the parties involved. Political and scientific benefits are often intertwined. This report has three goals in studying the efficiency and effectiveness of government-sponsored collaboration: (1) to improve understanding of the dynamics of international collaboration in S&T, (2) to provide tools for policymakers seeking to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of collaboration, and (3) to coordinate with analysts conducting similar studies in different countries. This report draws lessons from four case studies and further presents key questions that emerged to be used as a guide for those seeking to formulate similar collaborative programs. The authors find that distributed research is an effective form of collaboration and that national benefits include goodwill and access to key resources.