“Breakthrough” refers to inventions and patents that are radically different from previous research, discoveries, and knowledge and can literally “eclipse” or “destroy” them. The basic criterion is a D-score from -1 to 1, where -1 is a continuation of previous research and developments and 1 is a complete departure from previous knowledge.
Analysis of papers and patent applications showed that it is feasible for scientists to perform technical tasks remotely, process and analyze data, but making discoveries is more difficult. Therefore, the number of discoveries that define the face of science has decreased noticeably.
Scientists concluded that remote work, which involves long-distance collaboration, does indeed affect the number of discoveries. Thus, the average distance between researchers when working on a joint project increased from 100 to 1000 km, and for authors of patent applications from 250 to 750 km. Distance directly affects the integration of scientific teams.
“Ultimately, the scientists concluded that remote collaboration, although it offers many opportunities, still makes it difficult to integrate teams, especially at the stages when the authors think about the research concept and exchange ideas. In this case, the authors recommend dispersing projects aimed at creating or discovering something innovative among local teams, ” he said, referring to the N+1 publication Nature magazine.
Source: Ferra
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
