Diffusion of nanotechnology in Turkey: Social Network Analysis

Social Network Analysis Subtitle: Social Network analysis as a Tool According to the United Nations, nanotechnology is one of the emerging research fields, which will have positive impact on both developing and developed countries. For example, while nanotechnology is used for water purification in poor countries, it is used for manufacturing better chips for computers in developed countries. In this respect, countries are investing in research and development of nanotechnology. The European Union (EU) has invested heavily in nanotechnology through its framework programs (FPs) since 2000. The Turkish government has also adopted a new approach by becoming the part of the EU¿s FPs and has invested heavily in research and development. People tend to live in a social structure. Scientists work and collaborate in a social system. Assessing social relations among scientists reveals how collaborative they are. Moreover, bibliometric methods have been used as tools to track scientific research. In spite of this, it is difficult for analysts to predict a scientific breakthrough. Outcome of the dissertation, presents that the social network of scientists stimulates diffusion.