Introduction:

Scientific research in medical and health sciences is becoming increasingly complex. In this sense, research and innovation networks can be a key element for researchers to obtain up-to-date and useful knowledge.

Objective:

To analyze the participation in research networks of Colombian researchers working in medical and health sciences, as well as their characteristics and the factors associated with more involvement in said networks and better research and innovation achievements.

Materials and methods:

Descriptive and observational study conducted in two phases: the first, in 2016, consisted of sending a virtual survey on participation in and operation of these networks to the representatives of the 714 research groups in medical and health sciences officially recognized in Colombia, and the second, in 2017, consisted of sending a second survey to the 232 representatives who completed the first one. Relative frequencies were used for data analysis and description. Differences between participating in the networks and the characteristics of the researchers were determined using the chi-square test. A multivariate analysis (logistic regression model) was performed to determine the association between aspects of the network operation and the results obtained.

Results:

Of the 714 groups, only 232 representatives completed the first survey, and of these, only 82 (35.34%) participated in research networks. Significant differences were observed between participating in research networks and developing innovation products (p<0.01) and appearing in publication rankings (p=0.02). Regarding the network operation, there were three key elements: strategy, consensus, and funding; the first two correlate with obtaining results.

Conclusions:

Knowledge and innovation networks are important for generating more knowledge and research in the country. Therefore, the competent authorities should promote the creation of new research networks and encourage researchers from lagging regions in the country to participate in them.

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