Table 2 Main themes, categories, subcategories and codes for understanding collaboration in a multi-national research capacity-building partnership

1. Capacity building

2. Network building

3. Resource generation

4. Passive partners

5. Unequal funding

6. Centralised role of Hub and Coordinating institutes

Perception about the project

Perception about the project: unequal participation depending on available funding

Collaboration process: perception, phases and pattern (Theme 1)

1. Adaptation of sister project

2. Funding availability

Idea behind the project

1. Previous working ties

2. Similar aim and objective

3. Presence of expertise

Collaboration criteria

Collaboration process: importance of network

1. Some old partners

2. New partners

Collaboration duration

1. Organisational structure

2. Working flexibility

3. IT infrastructure

4. Knowledge and interest in subject area

Collaboration preference

1. Collaboration among European partners

2. Collaboration among European and Asian partners

3. Collaboration among Asian partners

4. Collaboration within same country

Collaboration structure

Collaboration pattern: challenges between Asian partners

1. Centralised working structure (with Hub and Coordinating institutes playing central role)

2. Little communication among small partners

3. Missing common goals

Limitation of collaboration pattern

1. Technology-facilitated communication

2. Online meetings through Skype and Got meeting

3. Quarterly, annually and 18 monthly reporting

4. Monthly reporting

5. Emailing – most convenient method of communication

Communication process: methods used for communication

Email facilitating communication in a large consortium

Communication and outputs hampered by Internet infrastructure and consortium size (Theme 2)

1. Centralised communication (via: Hub and Coordinating institutes)

2. Overloading emails

3. Delayed responses by passive partners

Challenges

1. Unavailability of full-time internet

2. Low band width, if available

3. Lack of Platform to conduct online courses, MOODLE

Inadequate IT infrastructure

Size of the consortium and diverse partners as a challenge to communication and activity

1. Diverse partners with different languages

2. Need effective communication

Language problem while communicating

1. Arranging online meeting is a challenge

2. Annual meeting – partner availability is a challenge

Time zone difference

1. Tracking all ongoing activities in 13 partner institutes is a challenge

2. Employees, worked part time

3. Overburdened staff

4. Full focus on the project is the need

5. Less funding to small partners, fewer resources to use

Limited funds/other challenges

1. Research capacity building is a gradual process

2. Capacity increased, but not significantly

3. Hub/Coordinating institute improved with mentoring activities and networking

Development in research capacity

Limited effects on research training capacity

Outcomes of the collaboration: what was actually achieved? (Theme 3)

1. Absence of indicators to map the gain

2. Process indicators, not sufficient to map the gain

Challenges mapping the gain

1. Better online activities

2. Developed MOODLE

3. Developed IT infrastructure

4. Better human resource/project staff

Gain in other means

Infrastructure development as an additional outcome