Collaboration in parallel worlds

The post title is also my working title for my research proposal on communication in scientific and engineering collaborations. As I'm working on it, and partners are reviewing it, I'm conducting a quick survey on UK Universities' Research and Business Development Offices to identify them and the range of services they provide. If that proves interesting, I may follow it up to gather some information on strengths, issues, and particularly aspects of communication modes (virtual, distance and face-to-face) and how they change or not as collaborations mature and/or develop into partnerships.