Collaboration Structure in Nanotechnology R&D: An Analysis of Organizational Dynamics on the Level of Collaboration and Structural Alliances

Many consider nanotechnology field as the key enabling technology, general purpose technology, radical or disruptive technology. As a science-based cluster classified by OECD (1997), nanotechnology is a highly R&D-intensive field and is likely to have a greater level of interaction between actors across sectors. Apart from academic actors, governments and regulatory bodies are aware of possible economic impacts of this field and therefore a significant amount of funds have been allocated for nanotechnology field. In this study, we analyze how the level of collaboration in nanotechnology R&D projects is influenced by various organizational dynamics, funding initiates and legal origins of these entities. Using data from both qualitative and quantitative sources, we examine the collaboration factors that affect collaboration and structural alliances. Our results show that public organizations are more prone to the levels of collaborative activities but less capable of collaboration on an international scale, while small and mediumscale enterprises struggle with having collaborative partners. Also the more networks a nanotechnology firm has in its value chain, the less likely the collaborative structure is enhanced.