Russian-Speaking Researchers Abroad: Do They Want to Cooperate with Russia?

A survey has been conducted among the hundred and fifty Russian-speaking researchers that reside and work abroad to evaluate their motivations and previous experiences in interactions/collaborations with Russian universities, research institutes, and government agencies.   Another goal of this survey was to identify the mechanisms that might further stimulate and promote links and cooperation with the Russian-speaking research diaspora for better knowledge transfer in the areas of science and technology.

The results demonstrated that the respondents are actively involved in both government-supported and independent collaborative research activities with Russia; for example, 62 % of them have joint publications with Russian colleagues. The respondents are eager to expand their cooperation with Russia even on an unpaid basis, especially in education and training of graduate students. At the same time, many of the surveyed researchers voiced criticism of not only the organization of scientific research in Russia but also of Russia’s broader economic and foreign policies; these issues appear to be among the key factors that hamper development of a more extensive cooperation with the diaspora.

The logic of the presentation is as follows. First, lessons of global experience towards cooperation with scientists from diaspora are examined. Second, major results of government activity in Russia aimed at establishment of closer links with Russian-speaking research diaspora for better knowledge transfer are evaluated. Third, a survey results that has been conducted among the hundred and fifty Russian-speaking researchers that reside and work abroad are presented and interpreted in a broader context of the current situation in Russian science. Finally, suggestions are made on improving cooperation with the Russian-speaking research diaspora by addressing the interests of both parties.