How Do Innovation Network Structures Affect Knowledge Sharing? A Simulation Analysis of Complex Networks

Abstract

Knowledge has become an important resource that can help enterprises gain a competitive advantage in the market. In this regard, knowledge sharing in the process of cooperative innovation provides an important way to acquire knowledge. With the development of innovation, the innovation network has become an important carrier of knowledge sharing, which can also have an influence on knowledge sharing. Based on knowledge management theory and complex network theory, this study constructed a multilayer network environment for knowledge sharing. It then identified the network elements and knowledge-sharing paths that influence knowledge sharing from microperspectives and macroperspectives. On this basis, the effects of node cohesion and weak connection on knowledge sharing in small-world and scale-free topologies were analyzed by computer simulation. The results showed that, in an innovation network with a scale-free topology, cohesion and weak ties had a great influence on the average knowledge level and knowledge equilibrium. Meanwhile, in small-world topological innovation networks, a mixed path had the best promotion effect on network knowledge sharing.

Sistema emprendedor basado en redes de conocimiento para la sustentabilidad empresarial: hacia una aproximación teórico-conceptual

“…Respecto a la tercera dimensión de las redes de conocimiento, contenido o insumos, muestra que en el principal insumo es el conocimiento, aunque también se intercambian datos e información. Bajo este ámbito, es relevante identificar el tipo de conocimiento, los flujos de intercambio y los canales de transmisión de saberes (Zhang y Chen, 2021).…”

How do knowledge diversity and ego-network structures affect firms' sustainable innovation: evidence from alliance innovation networks of China's new energy industries

“…As mentioned above, in the critical period of GPHE, China's firms in the new energy industries are the important subjects, who actively join the alliance innovation network to gain knowledge and resources and boost FSI (Choi, 2020; Rosenkopf and Nerkar, 2001; Lin, 2011). According to social network theory and existing studies, high ED and high HB, as two special ego-network structures, can improve the abilities of China's firms in the new energy industries to share and acquire knowledge and resources (Zhang and Chen, 2021; Panetti et al , 2020) but decrease their capacities of knowledge creation and interaction (McFadyen et al , 2009) and boundary spanning and so on (Kimble et al , 2010). In other words, high ED and high HB may increase the possibility of China's firms in the new energy industries acquiring more homogeneous knowledge from other alliance members, but reduce their enthusiasm and abilities to innovate new knowledge because of the mentality of free riding and so on.…”