I think in most instances its the issue of trust.

Trust is taken into account in research cooperation.

First, I would consider the position of your choice of collaborator because you could be diametrically opposed to that other person or groups' position. Second, I would require the amount of time the other party is going to put into the research. Third, determine who will give the wider research community the information within the context of local, regional or national meetings because this one could become a major bone of contention. Fourth, is trust because there are folks out there who take advantage of other people's data and sometimes, they run with it and get it published before you know it.

Dear Christine Mcdonnell ,

Thank you for such a clear thinking in the collaborative working environment.

best regrds