Proximity and Stratification in European Scientific Research Collaboration Networks: A Policy Perspective

In this chapter we introduce a framework to understand the geography of
scientific research collaboration with an emphasis on empirical studies that evaluate the
policy efforts to create a ‘European Research Area’ (ERA). We argue that the geography
of scientific research collaboration follows a logic of proximity that provides researchers
with solutions to the problem of coordination, and a logic of stratification that provides
researchers with differential means to engage in collaboration. The policy efforts to
create ERA can then be understood as strategic policy interventions at the European level
that affect the form and nature of both structuring principles. More specifically, the aim
of reducing ‘fragmentation of research activities, programmes and policies’ affects the
importance of several forms of proximity vis-à-vis each other, while the promotion of
‘research excellence’ results in new forms of network stratification at multiple spatial
scales. We provide an overview of recent empirical findings to illustrate these claims, and
discuss potential implications for future ERA policies.