Netzwerke in der Grundlagenforschung in den Optischen Technologien Chinas1

This paper aims to analyse basic research activities and cooperation in the optical technology sector in China. Cooperation is operationalized by co-authored scientific papers. With methods rooting in complex network sciences, the integration of Chinese knowledge-producing organizations into national as well as international knowledge networks is assessed. Further, the contribution of the provinces in terms of collaboration and relevance for the whole knowledge creation system is measured. This regional aspect for the network topology was largely underrepresented in the relevant empirical research, although it is important in terms of regionalized science- and technology-policy initiatives. Therefore, this contribution not only is scientifically relevant, but delivers also tangible policy recommendations that may also be also of interest for German policy makers.