How Scientific Links Combine to Thrive Academic Research in Universities: A Social Network Analysis Approach on the Generation of Knowledge

Abstract

The generation of knowledge enables the development of adaptive capacities required by organizations that aspire to survive in competitive context; academic institutions are not oblivious to this. In fact, the generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge are ingrained within the DNA of university institutions, assuming knowledge creation as primary function to breed scientific publications. In this sense, the organizational study of social network structures turns to be a robust tool for the analysis and comprehension of formal or informal collaborative relationships engaged in the core of any social entity. Through the co-authorship analysis in scientific publications and the utilization of social network analysis (SNA) approach, the present paper examines the structure of influences that reigns in a particular university, identifying those authors who have been capable to generate, foster, and boost a relational network and the entirely intellectual capital of the institution. The conclusions unveil the prevalence of a non-cohesive, uncompleted, and inequitable social network, in which the academic category or status neither determines nor assures a key position within the network.