The influence of collaboration in research priorities: The SADC Case

This study was aimed at providing evidence of the effects of collaboration among unequal partners on their research priorities. Co-authorship patterns were investigated among South African authors publishing with authors of other countries in the region, with and without other non-African co-authors. It was identified that the non-African collaborators have a high impact on the quantity of co-authored publications and on the research disciplines in which co-authored research is undertaken. The findings raise a number of policy questions. SIGNIFICANCE: • The findings make profound that African countries should prioritise and engage their limited resources in areas of national priorities.