Abstract :
The present analysis looks at how scientists use the
Internet for informal scientific communication. It investigates
the relationship between several explanatory variables
and Internet use in a cross-section of scientists
from seven European countries and five academic disciplines
(astronomy, chemistry, computer science, economics,
and psychology). The analysis confirmed some
of the results of previous U.S.-based analyses. In particular,
it corroborated a positive relationship between
research productivity and Internet use. The relationship
was found to be nonlinear, with very productive (nonproductive)
scientists using the Internet less (more) than
would be expected according to their productivity. Also,
being involved in collaborative R&D and having large
networks of collaborators is associated with increased
Internet use. In contrast to older studies, the analysis did
not find any equalizing effect whereby higher Internet
use rates help to overcome the problems of potentially
disadvantaged researchers. Obviously, everybody who
wants to stay at the forefront of research and keep upto-
date with developments in their research fields has to
use the Internet.
