The connectivity between Chinese and Turkish science systems : an agential perspective

Global science is not an equal ground. Certain national science systems are more centrally positioned in global science than others. However, recent trends indicate a move towards a more plural global science. For example, traditionally non- ‘core’ science systems exercise their agency in expanding collaboration among themselves, thus leading to increasing global scientific connectivity. The traditionally core national science systems gradually lose their strong gatekeeping roles. However, the dominant theoretical lenses, including world-systems theory, seem to fail to acknowledge and explain these recent trends. Against this backdrop, this study highlights an agential perspective in examining the global connectivity among science systems. Chinese and Turkish science systems were selected for an early exploration of the identified phenomenon. The study reveals that the connectivity between Chinese–Turkish science systems is multilateral, involving diverse science systems around the globe. Although Euro-American systems, as traditionally core systems, remain crucial, they do not dominate the connectivity. China is the strongest system in this connectivity, but collaboration benefits both countries, as well as global science.