Unravelling the cognitive and interorganisational structure of public/private R&D networks: A case study of catalysis research in the Netherlands

Abstract

This paper presents findings of a study that discloses key features of the Dutch R&D network in the area of catalysis, a sub-domain of industrial-relevant chemistry. The input comprises empirical data on collaborative research publications, informal network ties, and formal R&D linkages. The study aimed at identifying all public and private sector research organisations involved in the network, characterising their R&D output in terms of international scientific papers and patents, and describing and analysing relational and positional dimensions of their interorganisational network. The results provide an overview of Dutch activity within the worldwide cognitive landscape of catalysis R&D — from both a scientific and technological perspective. The interorganisational relationships reveal a strong and integrated network comprising many universities, public research labs, and private enterprises. The results of a mail survey held among academic and industrial researchers who are active within the network not only corroborate these empirical findings, but also elicited relevant criticisms concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of the network, and provided useful suggestions for its improvement. The paper concludes by looking at the benefits of this methodology, which links external quantitative information and qualitative expert opinions, as an analytical tool for government S&T policy and R&D management purposes.