Cooperative research and development projects: researchers’ motivations for participation and the benefits and barriers they encounter

Purpose – Research and development (R&D) initiatives are fundamental for society to evolve in its social, economic, technological and environmental dimensions. This study aimed to provide a view of what motivates researchers to participate in such projects as well as the benefits and barriers th...

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Main Authors: Carla Fontes, Mario Franco
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Emerald Publishing 2025-01-01
Series:Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/APJIE-05-2024-0109/full/pdf
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author Carla Fontes
Mario Franco
author_facet Carla Fontes
Mario Franco
author_sort Carla Fontes
collection DOAJ
description Purpose – Research and development (R&D) initiatives are fundamental for society to evolve in its social, economic, technological and environmental dimensions. This study aimed to provide a view of what motivates researchers to participate in such projects as well as the benefits and barriers they encounter when cooperating in R&D projects. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative methodology was adopted, within which a case study was conducted: R&D project “GreenHealth - Digital Strategies”. This initiative was based on leveraging biological assets to improve well-being and promote health. Data were obtained from 10 interviews with researchers and documentary analysis such as the project’s official website and social media accounts. Findings – The content analysis led to the conclusion that the researchers’ motivations for participating in R&D projects were the opportunity to contribute to scientific and social evolution, the creation of knowledge and personal factors inherent to the participating researchers. The benefits they derived were related to creating and spreading knowledge, as well as financial incentives. Barriers to participation were related to management, communication, organisational culture, the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications – From this study the research team members can understand the importance of cooperation between institutions, which illustrates the importance of creating and transferring knowledge. This study shows also that, in R&D projects, educational and health institutions access new knowledge, attract highly qualified personnel/researchers, establish networks and share financial risks. Originality/value – The study’s innovation derives from its demonstration that an R&D project of this nature is important for several organisations to develop the conception and implementation of a long-term strategy centred on human beings and focused on the eco-sustainability of the affected regions.
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spelling doaj-art-0da1d8aec28f45feac558bc2bd53a00f2025-01-02T03:17:10ZengEmerald PublishingAsia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship2071-13952398-78122025-01-01191739810.1108/APJIE-05-2024-0109Cooperative research and development projects: researchers’ motivations for participation and the benefits and barriers they encounterCarla Fontes0Mario Franco1Department of Management and Economics, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilha, PortugalDepartment of Management and Economics, CEFAGE-UBI Research Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilha, PortugalPurpose – Research and development (R&D) initiatives are fundamental for society to evolve in its social, economic, technological and environmental dimensions. This study aimed to provide a view of what motivates researchers to participate in such projects as well as the benefits and barriers they encounter when cooperating in R&D projects. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative methodology was adopted, within which a case study was conducted: R&D project “GreenHealth - Digital Strategies”. This initiative was based on leveraging biological assets to improve well-being and promote health. Data were obtained from 10 interviews with researchers and documentary analysis such as the project’s official website and social media accounts. Findings – The content analysis led to the conclusion that the researchers’ motivations for participating in R&D projects were the opportunity to contribute to scientific and social evolution, the creation of knowledge and personal factors inherent to the participating researchers. The benefits they derived were related to creating and spreading knowledge, as well as financial incentives. Barriers to participation were related to management, communication, organisational culture, the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications – From this study the research team members can understand the importance of cooperation between institutions, which illustrates the importance of creating and transferring knowledge. This study shows also that, in R&D projects, educational and health institutions access new knowledge, attract highly qualified personnel/researchers, establish networks and share financial risks. Originality/value – The study’s innovation derives from its demonstration that an R&D project of this nature is important for several organisations to develop the conception and implementation of a long-term strategy centred on human beings and focused on the eco-sustainability of the affected regions.https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/APJIE-05-2024-0109/full/pdfCooperationMotivationsBenefitsDifficultiesGreenHealth R&D project
spellingShingle Carla Fontes
Mario Franco
Cooperative research and development projects: researchers’ motivations for participation and the benefits and barriers they encounter
Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Cooperation
Motivations
Benefits
Difficulties
GreenHealth R&D project
title Cooperative research and development projects: researchers’ motivations for participation and the benefits and barriers they encounter
title_full Cooperative research and development projects: researchers’ motivations for participation and the benefits and barriers they encounter
title_fullStr Cooperative research and development projects: researchers’ motivations for participation and the benefits and barriers they encounter
title_full_unstemmed Cooperative research and development projects: researchers’ motivations for participation and the benefits and barriers they encounter
title_short Cooperative research and development projects: researchers’ motivations for participation and the benefits and barriers they encounter
title_sort cooperative research and development projects researchers motivations for participation and the benefits and barriers they encounter
topic Cooperation
Motivations
Benefits
Difficulties
GreenHealth R&D project
url https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/APJIE-05-2024-0109/full/pdf
work_keys_str_mv AT carlafontes cooperativeresearchanddevelopmentprojectsresearchersmotivationsforparticipationandthebenefitsandbarrierstheyencounter
AT mariofranco cooperativeresearchanddevelopmentprojectsresearchersmotivationsforparticipationandthebenefitsandbarrierstheyencounter