Absolutely, the scientific collaboration and networking are important. My program of research supports it, which integrates nursing science, micro- and mathematical economics, operations research, and cognitive psychology:
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I am a nurse scientist and am not an expert in operations research; (OR) thus, I need to collaborate with OR experts in order to produce a new knowledge with scientific rigor.
Of course it is. Science it's all about sharing knowledge and information to contribute with a big network of people interested in develop this network and the knowledge with in it.
You are right. But some time we observe unique type of collaboration. People add each other name in the name of collaboration/networking without any contribution so as to quantify their research and review articles. I think than this is not collaboration.
To be an expert in a specific field, a researcher must deepen his knowledge in this field (vertical knowledge). Thus, it is impossible to have a transversal knowledge covering all areas. Since the resolution of most of the problems faced by industry or humanity requires collaboration between experts in various fields, therefore, collaboration and networking between experts in different branches of science is paramount and necessary.