The ‘Mobilization-Network’ Approach for the Social Network Analysis of Knowledge Mobilization in Science Research and Innovation

Abstract

The main goal in this paper is to establish a theoretical and empirical basis for the social network analysis of knowledge mobilization in science research and innovation: the mobilization-network approach. The approach captures knowledge mobilization within and beyond academia. A starting point is the identification of knowledge gaps in the investigation of knowledge mobilization, namely in bibliometric studies measuring impact mostly within academia and in name generator techniques relying solely on individuals’ recall of network ties. In contrast, networks built using a mobilization-network approach make more visible the relations among heterogeneous academic and non-academic actors. These include individual and organisational actors (i.e., researchers, students, policy-makers, funders, laboratory products, and civil-society groups) and mobilization actors (i.e., laboratories, publications, research projects, policies, media events, and business ventures). The longitudinal empirical case study of a basic science laboratory illustrates the approach. Finally, the mobilization-network approach can be an asset for policy-makers wishing to evaluate the impact of science and innovation, especially where knowledge mobilization related policies are in place.