OCSD International Workshop

KREIMER, PABLO; FERPOZZI, HUGO

Nairobi

Conferencia; Open & Collaborative Science in Development; 2014

IDRC & I-Hub

The aim ofthis paper is to analyse under which conditions open and collaborativescientific networks cooperate in the effective use of the knowledge that isproduced to attend social problems. We examine the dynamics of knowledgeproduction in two Latin American research networks, and attempt to understandthe role of international collaboration and of open and collaborative science,in regards to the applicability of scientific outputs in different socialcontexts.Our research draws mainly on three interrelated frameworks from science, technology andsociety studies: the co-production of knowledge, tensions between centers andperipheries, and cognitive exploitation. The methodological strategy combinesquantitative and qualitative techniques: first, we follow the actors in thesettings of knowledge production; this approach is then complemented by aquantitative analysis of research outputs. By integrating these two strategies,we intend to show the dynamics, themes, and terms of collaboration, but also,to identify how the problems are scientifically and politically defined, andwhich are the solutions proposed to address those problems. The networks takenas case studies are dedicated to research in tropical diseases in Latin Americaand social sciences in Mexico that cooperate via different collaborative mediaand platforms. By assessingthe risks and benefits of open and collaborative science, the outputs andoutcomes of the project are expected to raise awareness among the stakeholdersimplicated in the topics under study.