Competition as a catalyst for collaboration: how German universities navigate the paradox of organizational research governance

Abstract The article explores the interplay between competition and collaboration in the context of organizational research governance in higher education organizations. Amidst the dynamic landscape of contemporary science and higher education, the paper investigates the paradoxical situation faced by German universities. Fueled by a desire for recognition and resources, these organizations engage in fierce competition for third-party funding and participation in prestigious collaborative research clusters. Yet, their ability to exert influence over research activities, remains limited due to the very nature of research in academia. The study builds on conceptual considerations regarding a paradox in organizational research governance as well as on empirical investigations across German universities and illuminates the mechanisms that universities employ to stimulate collaborative research among their members. The results of the study reveal a range of organizational interventions aimed at promoting collaborative research, particularly in large-scale collaborative projects. These interventions are analyzed in detail, thereby highlighting their distinct roles in shaping collaborative research. The conclusion and discussion sections examine some potential consequences of these attempts as well as selected comparative perspectives.