Network proximity in the geography of research collaboration

This paper deals with the questions of how network proximity influences the structure of inter-regional collaborations and how it interacts with geography. 

I first introduce a new, theoretically grounded measure of inter-regional network proximity. Then, I use data on European scientific co-publications in the field of chemistry between 2001 and 2005 to assess those questions. 

The main findings reveal that inter-regional network proximity is important in determining future collaborations but its effect is mediated by geography. Most importantly, a clear substitution pattern is revealed showing that network proximity mainly benefits international collaborations.

Anecdote

This paper was the first of my thesis. I, somehow, received a prize and hence have been invited to a conference to receive it. 

For the occasion I wore a suit, thinking it would be appropriate. What a foolish idea! It turns out I was the only one in the conference to wear a suit. In the sessions people were looking at me funny, seemingly confused about my presence, and many took me for a waiter.... "Stick to the convention" is the lesson I learned! Next day I wore a sweatshirt.