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Recommending research collaborations using link prediction and random forest classifiers

Author

Listed:
  • Raf Guns

    (University of Antwerp)

  • Ronald Rousseau

    (University of Antwerp
    KU Leuven)

Abstract

We introduce a method to predict or recommend high-potential future (i.e., not yet realized) collaborations. The proposed method is based on a combination of link prediction and machine learning techniques. First, a weighted co-authorship network is constructed. We calculate scores for each node pair according to different measures called predictors. The resulting scores can be interpreted as indicative of the likelihood of future linkage for the given node pair. To determine the relative merit of each predictor, we train a random forest classifier on older data. The same classifier can then generate predictions for newer data. The top predictions are treated as recommendations for future collaboration. We apply the technique to research collaborations between cities in Africa, the Middle East and South-Asia, focusing on the topics of malaria and tuberculosis. Results show that the method yields accurate recommendations. Moreover, the method can be used to determine the relative strengths of each predictor.

Suggested Citation

  • Raf Guns & Ronald Rousseau, 2014. "Recommending research collaborations using link prediction and random forest classifiers," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 101(2), pages 1461-1473, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:101:y:2014:i:2:d:10.1007_s11192-013-1228-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-013-1228-9
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    14. Mêgnigbêto, Eustache, 2018. "Modelling the Triple Helix of university-industry-government relationships with game theory: Core, Shapley value and nucleolus as indicators of synergy within an innovation system," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 12(4), pages 1118-1132.
    15. Jinseok Kim & Jana Diesner, 2019. "Formational bounds of link prediction in collaboration networks," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 119(2), pages 687-706, May.
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    18. Song Wang & Jiexin Wang & Chenqi Wei & Xueli Wang & Fei Fan, 2021. "Collaborative innovation efficiency: From within cities to between cities—Empirical analysis based on innovative cities in China," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(3), pages 1330-1360, September.
    19. Lu Huang & Xiang Chen & Yi Zhang & Yihe Zhu & Suyi Li & Xingxing Ni, 2021. "Dynamic network analytics for recommending scientific collaborators," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 126(11), pages 8789-8814, November.
    20. Orzechowski, Kamil P. & Mrowinski, Maciej J. & Fronczak, Agata & Fronczak, Piotr, 2023. "Asymmetry of social interactions and its role in link predictability: The case of coauthorship networks," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 17(2).

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