Success factors of virtual research teams – Does distance still matter?

Purpose of the exploratory study in this paper is to provide a first test of the transferability of success factors known from virtual teams to an innovative virtual research team. Investigating a real R&D cooperation with two virtual (regional & national) and one local research groups permits a comparative analysis of the influence of geographical distance. Though success factors seem to be somehow transferable, the geographical distance is still an influencing factor on the perception in virtual research teams. Based on results of this case study and 18 interviews, a ranking of success factors is provided which may help research managers in understanding where to place emphasis situationally on in order to successfully manage a virtual research team.