Exploring the role of companies in scientific research: a case study of genetically modified maize

Technology is a key factor for the competitiveness of the world-leading companies. Collaborating with and funding other research organisations are effective and economical ways to improve their innovation performance. This study aims to investigate the roles of companies in scientific research, as an author and as a funder, and the inner links. Big companies in the agrobiotechnology sector have made great efforts to drive the development of genetically modified techniques. Genetically modified maize, as one of the commercialised genetically modified organisms, is selected as the case study. From an investigation of data available from the Web of Science database, we find that companies' publications are important in terms of quality and quantity. Companies collaborate with various types of organisations, and build international funding networks. These publications involve in a wide range of emerging topics, and company-authored publications have higher citations. Implications for further research are discussed.