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| Introduction | | | Successful researchers have been working in partnership for years. Collaboration helps them draw on specialized knowledge in diverse fields to address the most complex challenges. Such partnerships can involve a wide range of activities: refining research questions; comparing methodologies; coordinating plans; sharing data, materials or equipment; teaching students; organizing conferences; writing papers; editing books and more. In each case, researchers come together because they believe they are more likely to achieve results in partnership than alone.There are lots of reasons why collaboration may not work: ideology, leadership, power, competition, resources and just plain lack of vision or commitment. There is no magic formula for success. However, a literature review on factors influencing successful collaboration identified the following elements as critical:- Mutual respect, understanding and trust
- Belief that collaboration is in the interest of the individual members
- Sharing a stake in the process and outcome
- Representation and involvement in the initiative
- Flexibility and adaptability of the group
- Open and frequent communication
- Strong informal relationships and links
- Shared vision
- Sufficient funds, staff and time
- Skilled leadership
Successful collaborations start when researchers: 1. Define a research question, issue or problem – and ways to address it.
2. Find the partners and shape the relationships they need to achieve results.
3. Define their research plan and structure their collaboration for resilience.
4. Find funding - the last step.When in doubt, ask someone who is a really good researcher. They usually collaborate by nature.ERA-Can can help with steps 2 and 4. The partner search facilities on our Website can help researchers find partners in Canada and Europe. Funding opportunities for international research activities and collaborations are also available on the Website | | |
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