Analyzing the Intra-Network Relationships of the Members of Science and Technology Collaborative Networks Using Social Networks Analysis (Case of Study: Iran Nanotechnology Laboratory Network)

Despite many studies done on S&T collaboration networks، the relationships among the members of such networks has been less investigated. Present study has addressed the intra-network relationships of the members of INLN during the years 2004-16. The statistical population of this research includes all the members of INLN network and semi-structured interviews have been conducted with a number of key informants in order to identify the types of relationships. Using content analysis method، 21 types of relationships were identified and classified into 7 categories. Subsequently، using a questionnaire، the dyadic relationships between the member Laboratories were investigated and analyzed by SNA approach. The researched results revealed that in terms of intensity of communications، private centers have the most relationships followed by research institutes and universities respectively. Also، organizational motivations، interaction spaces and motivated people have played an important role in developing the collaboration relationships between network members.