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'Collaborative research' is an increasingly popular term about which there is much debate. Until recently, it has typically meant a group of scientists or institutions working together, sometimes representing diverse disciplines - such as an oceanographer, a chemist and a marine geologist undertaking a project.

Today, collaborative fisheries research often means fishermen and scientists working together on any one of several levels, ranging from some participation in an already designed project (such as annual trawl surveys) to designing and developing an entire research project together.

Many people feel that collaborative and cooperative research are the same thing, and others feel quite strongly about the differences. We welcome your ideas and definitions to post here for everyone's interest. Following are some basic definitions provided by Oregon State University Extension Sea Grant and the Oregon Center for Community Leadership:

Cooperation:

•  The association of persons or businesses for common, usually economic, benefit. (OR Sea Grant)
•  Matching needs and providing coordination on a project, with a central body of people as the communication hub. (OR Center for Community Leadership)

Collaboration:

•  To work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort. (OR Sea Grant)
•  Accomplish a shared vision and impact the benchmarks. Leadership high, trust level high, and productivity high. (OR Center for Community Leadership)

The subtle differences in these words can be very important. For a chart with definitions of additional forms of partnership please click here.