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Grand challenges and emergent modes of convergence science

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  • Alexander M. Petersen

    (University of California)

  • Mohammed E. Ahmed

    (University of Houston)

  • Ioannis Pavlidis

    (University of Houston)

Abstract

To address complex problems, scholars are increasingly faced with challenges of integrating diverse domains. We analyzed the evolution of this convergence paradigm in the ecosystem of brain science, a research frontier that provides a contemporary testbed for evaluating two modes of cross-domain integration: (a) cross-disciplinary collaboration among experts from academic departments associated with disparate disciplines; and (b) cross-topic knowledge recombination across distinct subject areas. We show that research involving both modes features a 16% citation premium relative to a mono-domain baseline. We further show that the cross-disciplinary mode is essential for integrating across large epistemic distances. Yet we find research utilizing cross-topic exploration alone—a convergence shortcut—to be growing in prevalence at roughly 3% per year, significantly outpacing the more essential cross-disciplinary convergence mode. By measuring shifts in the prevalence and impact of different convergence modes in the 5-year intervals up to and after 2013, we find that shortcut patterns may relate to competitive pressures associated with Human Brain funding initiatives launched that year. Without policy adjustments, flagship funding programs may unintentionally incentivize suboptimal integration patterns, thereby undercutting convergence science’s potential in tackling grand challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander M. Petersen & Mohammed E. Ahmed & Ioannis Pavlidis, 2021. "Grand challenges and emergent modes of convergence science," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-15, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:8:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-021-00869-9
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00869-9
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    Cited by:

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    2. Jingjing Ren & Fang Wang & Minglu Li, 2023. "Dynamics and characteristics of interdisciplinary research in scientific breakthroughs: case studies of Nobel-winning research in the past 120 years," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 128(8), pages 4383-4419, August.
    3. Baaden, Philipp & Rennings, Michael & John, Marcus & Bröring, Stefanie, 2024. "On the emergence of interdisciplinary scientific fields: (how) does it relate to science convergence?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(6).
    4. Pierre Pelletier & Kevin Wirtz, 2023. "Sails and Anchors: The Complementarity of Exploratory and Exploitative Scientists in Knowledge Creation," Papers 2312.10476, arXiv.org.
    5. Li, Jing & Yu, Qian, 2024. "Scientists’ disciplinary characteristics and collaboration behaviour under the convergence paradigm: A multilevel network perspective," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 18(1).
    6. Wenjing Lyu & Yuanhao Huang & Jin Liu, 2024. "The multifaceted influence of multidisciplinary background on placement and academic progression of faculty," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-21, December.

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