Ethnic Networking in the Transnational Engagement of Chinese American Scientists

This study, based on in-depth interviews, applies a social-network approach to examining the important role that ethnic networking has played in promoting the transnational engagement of Chinese American scientists in China’s science sector and in higher education. The study finds that the transnational involvement of Chinese American scientists is facilitated by both their strong and weak ethnic ties: strong ties provide connection and rapport, while weak ties facilitate access to position and resources.