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International research collaborations of ASEAN Nations in economics, 1979–2010

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Abstract

This study examines the research performance and international research collaborations (IRC) of ASEAN nations in the area of economics. Over the last 3 decades international collaborated papers have increased in the region, while locally-co-authored papers have declined. Singapore towered among ASEAN nations in research efficiency based on geographical area, population and GDP. Vietnam performed relatively better in research efficiency than research productivity (number of papers produced), while Indonesia performed poorly. Overall, internationally co-authored papers were cited twice as often as locally authored papers except that both The Philippines and Indonesia exhibited almost no difference in how their local and internationally co-authored papers were cited. The study also examined IRC from the perspective of social networks. Centrality had a strong correlation with research performance; however, vertex tie-strength (a result of repeat collaboration) showed maximum correlation with research performance. While Malaysia emerged as the nation with the highest betweenness centrality or ‘bridging’ power, the US emerged as the most favoured international partner of ASEAN nations. However, collaboration between ASEAN countries accounted for just 4 % of all international collaborations. Increased academic mobility and more joint scientific works are suggestions to consider to boost educational co-operation among the ASEAN nations.

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Acknowledgments

Authors thank the reviewers for their valuable comments on an earlier version of this paper. The study is supported by University of Malaya grant UM.C/625/1/HIR/MOHE/SC/13/3.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Sameer Kumar

  2. Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Vala Ali Rohani & Kuru Ratnavelu

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Correspondence to Sameer Kumar.

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Kumar, S., Rohani, V.A. & Ratnavelu, K. International research collaborations of ASEAN Nations in economics, 1979–2010. Scientometrics 101, 847–867 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-014-1363-y

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