Microfoundations of Academics’ Networks: Initiation, Evolution and Context

This episode discusses how networks of individual academics affect the geography of their interactions for innovation and regional development. Rhoda Ahoba Sam analyzes the networks of academics seen as the key actors for knowledge transfer processes. Drawing on interviews from three different regions within RUNIN network – Lincoln (UK), Stavanger (Norway) and Linköping (Sweden), she sheds light on the causal mindset and effectual, co-creative processes on the formation and continuation of networks built for regional engagement. Rhoda emphasizes the complementarity of local and international networks and the importance of creating networks that involve all relevant stakeholders around the same vision in the region for a more effective collaboration. She concludes by providing some policy actions such as the establishment of inclusive platforms to build networks between academics and regional stakeholders. You can read more about Rhoda’s research by following this link. https://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/id/eprint/44721/