What's in a team? Variability and discrepancies in the conceptualization and operationalization of scientific teams

Abstract

This study explores the conceptualization of 'team science' within the field of scientometrics, identifying key attributes that define scientific teams through a systematic literature review and AI-assisted analysis. We examine definitions and operationalizations from 26 pivotal studies, synthesizing a unified definition centred on three main attributes: interdisciplinary composition, shared goals, and collaborative effort. Our findings highlight the diversity and inconsistency in current descriptions, suggesting a need for a more standardized framework. This paper contributes to the discourse on team science by proposing a refined, empirically testable definition aimed at enhancing comparative studies and improving team dynamics in scientific research.