International research collaboration Issues, benefits and challenges of the global network

It has been argued that whilst globalisation brings with it significant challenges, it also provides an opportunity for unifying health care activity and that of related research practices across international boundaries. Internationalisation, often confused with globalisation, is a process that can lead to a more extensive pattern of activity and collaboration. International research collaboration in health care has intensified and is frequently regarded as an indicator of quality and a way in which to develop and disseminate scientific knowledge to newly developing countries. There is however little substantive information for researchers new to the global research network on how best to manage the challenges posed by international collaboration, nor ways in which to measure the effectiveness of the same. In this paper we begin by examining the importance of international research collaboration before outlining some of the challenges of global information management. Drawing upon our own experience of jointly funded research initiatives and transnational working, alongside the available literature, we signpost some of the possible processes, practicalities and problems encountered when attempting to establish common ground.