A method for measuring network effects in scientific cooperation

A method for quantitative assessment of the evolution of scientific networks with a light-and-fast mailed questionnaire is presented, through its use in the evaluation of the SCIENCE/STIMULATION programmes of the European Community Framework programme. The methodology is based on the behavioral description of relationships between labs sharing an EC contract, before and after the programme. Networks are described by a "mean value" of relationships between pairs within the network. Quantitative indicators, obtained through monovariate and multivariate statistical methods, allow comparing the situation before and after the programme, and therefore yield clues for programme impact assessment. An attempt to visualize network evolution with multivariate analysis is presented.