Determinants of collaborative research partnerships for innovation in food science

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the trends and impact of collaborative research in food science, highlighting the rise in collaborative efforts, especially in international partnerships, and their effects on research output and impact. This study delves into the evolving landscape of collaborative research in food science over the past one decade, using publication and citation data from Scopus. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a systematic analysis of publication and citation data from Scopus to track the development of collaborative research in food science. It evaluates academic-industry collaborations and assesses their performance in terms of impact and commercialization potential. Findings The findings reveal a significant increase in collaborative research efforts over the past one decade, which has led to enhanced research output and impact. Academic-industry collaborations outperform global averages in both impact and commercialization potential. Key drivers of collaboration include geographic and thematic proximity. Prolific author analysis identifies momentum areas for future exploration. The study also highlights the importance of robust research funding, despite existing funding disparities between universities and elite institutions. Private and multinational investments in R&D are on the rise, compensating for domestic funding limitations. Practical implications This study unveils the critical role of industry-academia synergy in driving food science innovation by quantifying the surge in partnerships and their impact on research outcomes. By benchmarking performance, identifying key drivers and barriers and exploring emerging research frontiers, it provides actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders and funding agencies to optimize research investments, foster a thriving ecosystem and accelerate commercialization. Originality/value This study underscores the critical need for policy interventions to improve funding and strengthen academic–corporate interactions in food science. It provides valuable insights into the factors driving successful collaborations and the importance of sustained investment in research and development for advancing innovation and socio-economic well-being.