Perceptions of participating scientists on international R&D collaborations

The perceptions of Indian scientists on their experience in the overseas R&D collaborations, in a public-funded physics laboratory, are collected through a questionnaire-cum-interview schedule. The role of international collaboration, the difficulties faced, the outcome of partnerships, the lessons learnt for best practice, and suggested mechanisms of strengthening bilateral S&T cooperation are covered. The study also sought answer to the vital questions, what managerial variables impinge on the success of international R&D collaborative projects? Are all collaborative projects subject to same set of success factors? The paper concludes that in order to increase the appetite of the scientists for international collaboration, provision of defined budget for travel, equipments and contingencies, improvement in procedural requirements, and, development of comprehensive monitoring system are required.