Developing new approaches for measuring qualitative network data: the case of mixed methods social network analysis of two-decade university, industry and government research partnerships in Kazakhstan

Quantitatively oriented social network analysis (SNA) has widely been used to determine the patterns of information transfer among triple helix actors in innovation studies. Although there have been few attempts to apply a qualitative approach to SNA, there is a lack of guidance on how qualitative data in networks is converted into measurable constructs. To fill this gap, this mixed methods social network analysis presents an empirical example of two-decade UIG research partnerships in Kazakhstan as a way to showcase how measurement of qualitative network data can be performed using framework and deepens a dialogue on further advancement in the qualitatively oriented SNA field. Two lessons learned, when using the framework, one should be aware of the challenges in interpreting indicated dimensions, which require further research. Despite this, the framework serves as a useful tool for operationalizing and explaining the network’s relational content and developing methodological instruments.