Varieties of research coordination: A comparative analysis of two strategic research consortia

Tjerk Wardenaar*, Stefan P. L. de Jong, Laurens K. Hessels

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Strategic research consortia as policy instruments for research coordination have been on the rise for more than a decade. Despite their rising popularity as coordination structures, there has been little comparative analysis of the actual coordination approaches such consortia develop. In order to enhance our understanding of consortia as coordination structures, this paper makes a systematic and in-depth comparison of the coordination approaches of two Dutch consortia. The analysis shows that research consortia coordinate their activities in very different ways. A consortium's coordination approach turns out to be strongly influenced by its internal characteristics. The observed influence of internal consortium characteristics implies that the eventual coordination approach of consortia will not always match the rationale behind a policy measure to support these consortia. We recommend policy-makers to foster strategic research consortia with a heterogeneous composition that have organised sufficient flexibility for reacting to unforeseen developments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)780-792
Number of pages13
JournalScience and Public Policy
Volume41
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Research consortia
  • research coordination
  • network organisation
  • stakeholder involvement
  • science policy
  • governance
  • SECTOR RESEARCH COLLABORATION
  • ORGANIZATION
  • INNOVATION
  • NETWORKS
  • CENTERS
  • PROGRAM

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