Economics
Research into Higher Education
Research collaboration choices are to a large extent governed by multi-level organisational structures and the existence of efficient research networks. However, if we move away from this macro-level we find micro-level dynamics and more individual reasons for collaboration.
My research focuses on the analysis of the individual abilities of and individual strategies pursued by researchers in their collaborations with actors from outside the academic sector. Much of the research is based on quantitative econometric analysis and uses individual panel data going back to the 1980s to expose evolutionary changes in research behaviour. In particular I examine the interrelation between collaboration and academic productivity to investigate the direct effects of private involvement on academic research, e.g. whether researchers with more links produce more publications and patents than their peers without such links. In fact, preliminary results show that they are positively correlated below a certain threshold.
Another aspect is the analysis of incentives for individual researchers given by the universities and the government to support this knowledge exchange with the private sector.
Socio-Economics Networks
Sources of innovation are often found between different stakeholders rather than inside a single organisation. These stakeholders (individuals and organisations) interact through networks to share and exchange knowledge and resources, to stimulate each other or to simply make contacts. The structure of the network through which interactions take place may thus have an important effect on the success of these stakeholders but also on the success of the collaboration itself.
Of specific interest to me is the development of networks between researchers and also between researchers and communities or local companies. Networks are said to contribute to academic success as well as that of the surrounding communities. I am using panel data to analyse these networks and their change over time. I hope to understand how interaction and group dynamics shape collective intelligence, learning and knowledge generation.
Media and Communication
Empirical Media Research
The impact of media on society is continiously being discussed and reaches into areas of psychology, political sciences and sociology. In order to understand the factors that determine the effect media has on its audience, it is important to understand how media works and what determines the use of media.
Media studies combines approaches from different disciplines and uses quantitative and qualitative methods for its analysis.
I have a specific interest in the influence of media on our perception of politics and written my Master's thesis in the field of political efficacy.
Other research concerns the changes in newsreading behaviour with a specific focus on the alienation from newspapers and the growth of informal news sites.
Comparative Japanese Studies
Having lived in different countries and cultures over the years I have an ever increasing interest in intercultural and international research. Of particular interest to me are cultural and media developments in Japan. I've investigated the growing alienation of Japanese students from their social environment.
Other research investigated the images Japanese hold of foreigners.
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