What are the costs and benefits associated with networks at different scales? A South African perspective for marine research Coleen L. Moloney University of Cape Town, South Africa
S outh A frican N etwork for C oastal and O ceanic R esearch ( local scale
BENEFIT: BCLME: regional scale Angola Namibia South Africa
e.g. BENEFIT, VIBES/IDYLE, EnviFish, Eco-UP, SPACC, etc. Inter- national scale
Focus on individuals
FriendsStrangersPartners: Of great interest Not so interesting Research topics: LargeSmallAdministration: LittleMuchCo-ordination: Proximity:CloseFar SimilarDifferentCultural similarities: Local/nationalInternational Some COSTS to individuals of networking
LocalGlobalResearch context: SmallLargeResearch scope: UnlimitedLimitedKnowledge transfer RestrictedBroadFunding: Legacy:ReducedEnhanced LimitedStrengthenedCultural exchange: Local/nationalInternational Some BENEFITS to individuals of networking
benefits must outweigh the costs…
LocalGlobal Research context: SmallLarge Research scope: UnlimitedLimited Knowledge transfer: RestrictedBroad Funding: Legacy: ReducedEnhanced LimitedStrengthened Cultural exchange: FriendsStrangers Partners: Of great interest Not so interesting Research topics: LargeSmall Administration: LittleMuch Co-ordination: Proximity: CloseFar SimilarDifferent Cultural similarities: Benefits and costs:
Established researchers: LocalGlobal Research context: SmallLarge Research scope: UnlimitedLimited Knowledge transfer: RestrictedBroad Funding:Legacy: ReducedEnhanced LimitedStrengthened Cultural exchange: FriendsStrangers Partners: Of great interest Not so interesting Research topics: LargeSmall Administration: LittleMuch Co-ordination:Proximity: CloseFar SimilarDifferent Cultural similarities:
Young researchers: LocalGlobal Research context: SmallLarge Research scope: UnlimitedLimited Knowledge transfer: RestrictedBroad Funding:Legacy: ReducedEnhanced LimitedStrengthened Cultural exchange: FriendsStrangers Partners: Of great interest Not so interesting Research topics: LargeSmall Administration: LittleMuch Co-ordination:Proximity: CloseFar SimilarDifferent Cultural similarities:
Strategies for effective networking: Minimise costs for individuals Enhance the benefits to individuals Good co-ordination & communication is essential Different strategies for individuals at different points in their careers
Implement networks of individuals (not just institutions and countries)