Can interdisciplinary research collaboration enhance academics’ research innovation and publication in China? A multilevel analysis
通过对中国一所研究型大学700名学者的调查，分析跨学科研究合作的特征及其对学术发表和创新的影响，发现相互依赖和过程反思显著促进发表，而相互依赖、集体目标与灵活性、过程反思显著促进创新。
Universities worldwide have promoted interdisciplinary research collaboration (IDRC) among academics to address significant problems in the knowledge society. This study explored the characteristics of IDRC as perceived by academics and their effects on interdisciplinary research publication and innovation by surveying 700 academics in a Chinese research university. Factor analysis showed that IDRC comprises four components: interdependence, newly-created activities, collective goals and flexibility, and reflection on process. Multilevel analysis suggested that interdependence and reflection on process significantly enhanced publication, while interdependence, collective goals and flexibility, and reflection on process significantly contributed to innovation. The findings also revealed that the academics’ interdisciplinary research publication and innovation differed significantly among faculties. The practical implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.