BRICS and walls: A grey incidence analysis of scientific collaboration barriers in BRICS countries

International scientific collaboration among BRICS countries has intensified in recent years, particularly in the field of science, technology, and innovation (STI). Yet, the underlying cultural and institutional dynamics shaping these partnerships remain underexplored, features that are key to understanding collaborative practices among such a heterogeneous group of countries. We address this gap by investigating how organizational cultural traits relate to key barriers to collaboration in cross-national academic environments. We draw our empirical insights from a novel, primary dataset consisting of 403 survey responses from researchers engaged in BRICS-based co-authorships. The questionnaire, structured on a five-point Likert scale, comprised items on organizational cultural elements (e.g., mutual trust, performance measurement schemes, information sharing, and leadership dynamics) and barriers to collaboration (e.g., administrative mismatches, divergent priorities for publication or patenting, funding limitations, cultural and language differences, and partner reliability). Grey Incidence Analysis (GIA) is employed to evaluate the strength of associations between cultural traits and collaboration barriers. Findings highlight those institutional misalignments, particularly those concerning performance measurement systems and divergent publication priorities are more critical in constraining cooperation than interpersonal or intercultural differences. While trust and communication practices matter, structural incompatibilities related to administrative frameworks and governance policies emerged as the most impactful elements shaping collaborative dynamics. By revealing how governance alignment and institutional harmonization can strengthen innovation performance through enhanced efficiency of joint R&D alliances, accelerated co-patenting and technology licensing, and more effective knowledge-transfer processes, these findings provide actionable insights for both researchers and policymakers. In practical terms, they support the development of STI policy actions that promote more inclusive, resilient, and culturally attuned scientific cooperation within and beyond the BRICS bloc.