충청권 대학의 공동연구 네트워크 변화 분석: 네트워크 중심성과 협력 구조의 연도별 진화를 중심으로 (2018∼2022년도)

Analysis of Changes in the Collaborative Research Network of Universities in the Chungcheong Region: Focusing on the Evolution of Network Centrality and Collaborative Structures from 2018 to 2022

(Purpose) Recently, universities are strengthening joint research and cooperation networks to secure research competitiveness and develop win-win growth with local communities. Opportunities and capabilities for cooperation between universities tend to appear differently depending on the level of research infrastructure or administrative support conditions of each university, which is emerging as a task that needs to be solved in terms of balanced regional development. The purpose of this study is to analyze how 53 four-year universities located in the Chungcheong region form research networks through joint research over time and to derive policy implications for further activating such network activities. (Design/methodology/approach) To achieve this research objective, the study employs network theory and Social Network Analysis (SNA) to empirically analyze the annual joint research networks of universities in the Chungcheong region. Data collection was conducted using the NTIS research project information system, and the Netminer program was utilized as the network analysis tool. (Findings) The analysis results indicate that, although research collaboration has diversified, there is still a tendency for research partnerships to be concentrated around certain universities such as KAIST and Chungnam National University. (Research implications or Originality) Therefore, other universities in the Chungcheong region should actively seek collaboration with other institutions rather than conducting research independently, establish research clusters, and expand opportunities for joint research participation to enhance overall synergy.