Can interdisciplinary research collaboration enhance academics’ research innovation and publication in China? A multilevel analysis

Universities worldwide have promoted interdisciplinary research collaboration (IDRC) among academics to address significant problems in the knowledge society. This study explored the characteristics of IDRC as perceived by academics and their effects on interdisciplinary research publication and innovation by surveying 700 academics in a Chinese research university. Factor analysis showed that IDRC comprises four components: interdependence, newly-created activities, collective goals and flexibility, and reflection on process. Multilevel analysis suggested that interdependence and reflection on process significantly enhanced publication, while interdependence, collective goals and flexibility, and reflection on process significantly contributed to innovation. The findings also revealed that the academics’ interdisciplinary research publication and innovation differed significantly among faculties. The practical implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.