Importance of interaction between areas of knowledge and institutions in the development of a health innovation: a study of thematic area networks and institutional co-authorship networks in development of computed tomography (CT)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify thematic area networks and institutional co-authorship networks in the initial development of the CT, to recognize their characteristics in order to demonstrate the importance of interaction in a health innovation. METHODS: The method proposed by the researchers at the University of Manchester and thematic area studies was used. The databases used were ISI-Web of Science (ISI-WoS) and SCOPUS. The pioneer article was located and the literature limited to subsequent years was systematically reviewed. Excel Node XL, Pajek wiki and Ucinet software were used for data processing. RESULTS: Thematic areas and institutional co-authorship networks were obtained in the early years of CT development. Multiple types of interactions are evident. CONCLUSION: The success of the process of invention, innovation and diffusion in the development of CT required the interaction of many disciplines (medicine, physics and engineering) and institutions (University hospitals, Universities, companies, Research centers and scientific communication media). The study of the thematic areas and SNA (Social Networks Analysis) allow to know the processes of invention and innovation and identify new fields of research.