The nature of the scientific reputation phenomenon: The case of an university-industry consortia

Abstract

Reputation is a very influential factor in the work of scientists because of its effects on career, fundraising, or peer approval. In the same way that it is important for R&D units in building networks or raising funds, public or private. However, the reputation phenomenon is difficult to assess because it includes subjective factors not detected in the usual bibliometric techniques and because it has evolved, as a consequence of the demands of the new entrepreneurial-science. In this context, we have developed a study with the purpose of understanding the nature of the reputation phenomenon applied to the field of science in the context of a university-industry research consortium in Portugal. This is a pilot project that emerged from the needs felt by the consortium’s communication team with the task of managing the reputation of the partnership and its researchers. This paper leaves some clues for continued Strategic Communication work.