Exploring Elements Of Success In International Collaboration

• By: INAYAN, Nina (UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, United States)
• Co-author(s): Ms Nina Inayan (UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, United States)
  Dr Sarah Merritt (UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, United States)
  Dr Caroline Sasser (UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, United States)
  
• Abstract:

  Background: International collaboration has been seen as an indicator of high-quality research which allows for opportunities and experiences for individuals to share multidisciplinary resources, skills, information, and sustainable solutions. As evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, international collaboration has been increasingly important within pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Previous literature has begun exploration in international research collaboration; however, robust research is lacking in the field of academic pharmacy. Additionally, little is known about metrics of individual or team-based success or promoters of success. Given the benefits, challenges, and growth of international collaboration in pharmacy, it is important to understand which factors increase the likelihood of success in international partnerships and how that success is measured.
  
  Purpose: To identify motivations, individual and team-based metrics of success, as well as contributors and limiters to success for international collaborations in academic pharmacy.
  
  Methods: An online survey including closed- and open-ended questions was sent to students, faculty, and staff from schools of pharmacy who have engaged in international collaboration. Snowball sampling was utilized to recruit participants. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis with a combination of inductive and deductive coding.
  
  Results: A total of 54 survey responses were included for analysis. More than 50% of respondents identified the following motivations for participation in international collaborations: "gain new perspectives and new opportunities globally," "desire to work with, or maintain/build a relationship with researchers globally," "improve research quality," "continue current global relationship," and "access expertise." A total of 27 themes were identified from qualitative data using a combination of inductive and deductive coding. Themes were organized into team- and individual metrics of success, contributors to success, and limiters to success in the final codebook. Metrics of success most commonly included publications, scientific presentations, and grants or other sources of revenue. Participants most often identified team dynamics (e.g., shared goals and values, adaptability, and friendship/positive interactions) and individual characteristics (e.g., commitment, open-mindedness, and perseverance) as contributors to success. Finally, when asked about limiters to success in international collaborations, participants discussed different time zones, lack of funding, and lack of commitment most often.
  
  Conclusion: Motivations for international collaboration vary and can be used by institutions to attract globally-minded faculty, staff, and students. Metrics of success in international collaboration should be acknowledged by institutional leadership and can either be tangible or intangible. Organizations and institutions should support carefully designed teams financially along with other resources. The findings can help individuals, teams, and institutions optimize and support international collaborations. Additionally, this study can inform higher education researchers, academics, and leadership beyond pharmacy. Future research should seek to understand differences in motivations and success factors among different populations in academia.