In contemplating how to contribute to this discussion of the nature and role of collaborative relations in research I first reflected on the kinds of relations and networks I have been involved in over my academic career. Where did they come from? In what way did they help or hinder my academic career and the development of my research and publications? And, on the basis of this experience, what kind of useful advice could I offer to younger academics? In addition, given that the main focus of my research is on the nature and role of business relations and networks in contributing to business performance were there any theories or concepts I could draw on and apply to understanding relations and networks in academic life? I organize the following discussion around these two themes. Rather than provide a detailed history of the relations and networks that I have been part of and how they have shaped my academic life and research let me use this history to illustrate various features of this process in terms of (a) the sources of academic relations and networks, (b) research mating, or choosing and being chosen, and (c) the value and functions of such relations and networks.
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