Clusterization of Research in Universities: An Emerging Model, Its Forms and Consequences

• In Event: 50220 - Section on Organizations, Occupations, and Work Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 4: Careers in Higher Education

Abstract

Clusterized research is an increasingly dominant model of organizing research that profoundly affects contemporary universities. This paper examines the growth and implications of various organizational forms of clusterized research. These forms are evident in diverse national contexts and primarily involve temporary and interdisciplinary research units, such as centers of excellence, interdisciplinary institutes, and research groups. These units have become more prevalent in universities—a phenomenon we term ‘clusterization of research.’ Historically, universities' primary missions of research and teaching have been carried out within departments. However, clusterized research presents challenges to the traditional departmental structures and university governance. Simultaneously, it facilitates novel modes of collaboration across departments, enabling universities to adapt to ever-changing environments by addressing new challenges (e.g., grand challenges) through organizational forms that, unlike departments, can be characterized as ‘temporary organizations.’ These temporary units operate within universities as permanent organizations.

Author

• Anna K. Kosmuetzky