Institutional co-operation models for enhanced utilization of research infrastructure in the BSR: Case of Latvia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse cross institutional co-operation of scientific institutes in the Baltic Sea Region. This is done by assessing the outcomes from eight expert panel discussions at national and the Baltic Sea Region level. This was done for three science areas: material science, life sciences and welfare state. Furthermore, sectorial and consolidated conclusions were validated by international experts. Aggregated analyses were conducted using previous results at standardised five criteria framework and compared to similar research performed by other BSR countries. This study was aimed to analyse and identify main factors determining the development of sustainable and long-term collaboration around existing or new different size research infrastructures, to assess catalysing mechanisms for the growth of local and transnational user base as an efficient new knowledge creation, commercialisation and innovation base around RIs. Differences in short- and medium-term strategic objectives, and funding allocations, dominance of competition factors over collaboration, and motives for joint actions need to be considered in order to increase research performance and facilitate transnational collaboration in the BSR. Collaboration in the use of scientific infrastructure can be productive, if we jointly collect external talent or destructive, if it is limited by brain drain policy and fierce competition for talent implemented by research facility owners or operators. The study identifies the impact of key factors, contradictions and shortcomings, which has led to the development of consolidated conclusions, recommendations for increasing the capability of large-scale science facilities through the improved co-operation models. The last also includes elaborated analysis of the governance models for the research infrastructure.