International Partnerships for Collaborative Research in Argentinian Universities

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the motivations behind North-South collaboration, as well as facilitators and obstacles. Through a case study approach, two specific cases focus on research units at public and private Argentinian universities with established North-South research partnerships. General conclusions indicate that international scientific cooperation between the two hemispheres has proven fruitful for the parties involved in these agreements; however, what triggers and grounds the association differs by case. Following a series of interviews and document analysis, findings show that while personal links generally dominate in their importance, state support is critical for sustainability. Difficulties that generate disincentives for maintaining longer-term partnerships are related primarily to internal, bureaucratic problems and external factors such as overall economic instability affecting both developed and developing countries.