Networks of research collaboration in China: Evidence from nanotechnology publication activities, 1990-2006

The article shows there has been exponential growth overall in nano publication in China, there has been only linear growth in international publication collaboration. Potential explanations for this include increased internal incentives for publication in China in WoS-listed journals and for Chinese researchers to return home. However, there are quality differences between articles by author and collaboration type. Statistical testing indicates that internationally collaborated articles, articles by scholars in Chinese Academy of Science or top 10 Chinese universities, and articles involved Hong Kong scholars are more likely published in journals with high impact factors (IF), and receive high citations. These findings help to highlight China's emerging strengths in nanotechnology and the role of network relations in underpinning these developments.