Determinants of International Research Collaboration in Uganda: Case Study research registered at Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (2015-2019)

Abstract

International Research Collaboration (IRC) has been on the rise globally. This study set out to establish the determinants of IRC in Uganda and the researcher’s propensity to engage in IRC. The study considered several predictors like Gender, the Region where PI attained their highest research qualification and the field of research. A binary logistic model was used to identify the determinants of IRC while a beta regression was used for the propensity to collaborate. Results show that IRC in Uganda is determined by Gender, the region where the researcher attained their Highest Qualification, Research Sponsor, field of research, type of research, and Research Budget. The study shows that developing countries need to develop robust research systems to be “effective partners” in IRC. More gender-inclusive research policies are critical. IRC should be framed around national priorities and intentionally pursued within university research systems.