Better connected, more reputable? On the association between node centrality and academic reputation in the European Union research and innovation networks

Reputation is often overlooked in the geography of innovation studies, but may represent a relevant outcome of the participation in multi-scalar research and innovation networks. To date, a limited number of studies have outlined how collaborations in inter-organizational networks contribute to build academic reputation and scientific excellence, generally without distinguishing between the two concepts. This paper aims at assessing to what extent the degree of participation in the European Union nanotechnology network contributes to determine the reputation of universities as captured by renowned university rankings. Reputation is conceptualized as either the opinion of other academics about a given university (“academic reputation”) or scientific achievements (“scientific excellence”). The findings presented in this paper suggest that cooperation in international inter-organizational networks is not only essential for securing research funds and acquiring new relevant knowledge but also for positively contributing to shape academic reputation and enhance scientific excellence.