Concentration and Diversity in Collaboration Networks in Electrical Engineering: Evidence from Brazilian Researchers
Keywords:
Scientific collaboration networks, CNPq productivity grants, collaboration clustersAbstract
Scientific collaboration networks shape research dynamics in fields such as Electrical Engineering, where Brazil’s CNPq productivity grants play a pivotal role. Expanding upon previous analyzes focused on Microelectronics, this study broadens the scope to encompass the major field of Electrical Engineering, covering seven subareas: Electrical Materials; Electrical, Magnetic, and Electronic Measurements; Instrumentation; Electrical, Magnetic, and Electronic Circuits; Power Systems; Industrial Electronics, Systems, and Electronic Controls; and Telecommunications. The analysis considers collaboration networks among 419 CNPq productivity grant holders based on 18,386 publications. The results reveal a hierarchical structure in which top-tier researchers form a highly influential core, while lower-level researchers remain peripheral. The network exhibits a pronounced geographic concentration in Brazil’s Southeast and South regions, accompanied by notable gender disparities. Over time, the average author influence has increased, and collaboration clusters have become more compact, suggesting a trend toward smaller, more centralized groups. Despite its thematic diversity, the network exhibits structural inequality and limited cross-level integration. Future research could further investigate temporal shifts, inter-institutional collaboration patterns, and the co-evolution of network structures and research focuses.
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