Russian-French Scientific Collaboration: Approaches and Mutual Attitudes
Irina Dezhina
Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology
КЛЮЧЕВЫЕ СЛОВА:
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION, RUSSIA, FRANCE, MUTUAL PERCEPTIONS, OBSTACLES, PROSPECTS
АННОТАЦИЯ:
This article presents the results of a survey of Russian and French scientists, which has been conducted via face-to-face interviews, to identify motivations, origins, and a pace of development for scientific collaborations between the two countries. Respondents had experience in different types of interactions, including participation in joint research projects, fellowships, and part-time work in partner’s lab. The major obstacle for these collaborations is the lack of funding, some logistical prob- lems, with other issues related to the specifics of organization and regulation of scientific research in Russia. Sanctions and the state of foreign affairs also affect collaborations, even if indirectly. However, despite the existing obstacles, both parties are willing to continue joint work. Most of the findings of this study, which appeared to be more specific to science disciplines than to Russian-French rela- tions, are likely to be applicable to the understanding of collaborations between the Russian and EU scientists in general.