Research Networks and the Relevance of Higher Education: Lessons Learned from Veterinary Sciences in Argentina, 2006–2010

Abstract

Theoretical and empirical research on cooperation networks has been progressively incorporated into the processes of knowledge generation. Moreover, research groups that support their own development via networking have a greater potential to strengthen research capabilities and to increase their institutional presence. However, studies that analyze the establishment of networks as a broader process for the development and institutional projection of a specific group are limited. This chapter presents the case of the research groups in Veterinary Sciences at the National University of Central Buenos Aires (UNCPBA) in Argentina, showing how these groups have developed a scheme of diversified networks with international, national, provincial, and regional players from academic and extra-academic fields, according to the specificities of the thematic area and the particular trajectory of the relevant research centers. As an exploratory case, the intention is to achieve a rapprochement between the theory and reality. Thus, academic and extra-academic networks were identified and addressed in terms of participating players and the objective on which the relations of exchange and respective flows were based. Particularly, networks were analyzed by ?research core? according to the type of player, geographical scope (national and international), and considering the purpose of the network, namely scientific collaboration, generation of joint research projects, and the training of human resources. Finally, findings suggest that these networks have had international, national and local impacts in different fields, according to specificities and requirements of the knowledge area at issue. Nevertheless, research is continuing and it is just this area that appears to hold great promise for contributing to a productive future findings.