Understanding the Complex Nature of Innovation Network Evolution

Kudic, Muhamed; Guenther, Jutta

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-62009-1_20

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Real-world networks consist only rarely of one fully connected component. A potential explanation for this observation is that formation and growth of networks is in principle possible via two distinct processes, each of which is accompanied by substantially different structural consequences (Kudic and Guenther 2017). First, isolated inventors without any tie to other actors can enter the network by attaching to an existing component.…”

Section: Linking Network Structure and Innovationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Micro dynamics and macro stability in inventor networks

Fritsch

Kudic

2021

J Technol Transf

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From a macro perspective, inventor networks tend to generate remarkably stable structures over time. At the same time, we observe highly dynamic processes at the micro level, in terms of inventor entries and exits as well as formations and terminations of collaborative relationships between them. In order to explain this—at least at the first glance—contradicting pattern, we investigate processes at the intermediate network level. Our analysis draws upon co-patenting data for the entire population of West German inventors in the field of laser technology research from the onset of the technology in the early 1960s over a period of 45 years. Our findings suggest that the key factor for maintaining structural stability of networks is that directly linked partners of inventors with stabilizing properties—so-called ‘key players’—take over this function in a subsequent period. We show that processes at the intermediate network level provide new insights on the co-existence of micro fluidity and macro stability in complex adaptive systems.

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Section: Linking Network Structure and Innovationmentioning

confidence: 99%