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Social networks in R&D program evaluation

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  • Nicholas Vonortas

Abstract

This paper introduces the social network methodology as a tool for evaluating important aspects of research and development (R&D) programs. It uses two detailed examples to illustrate the application of network concepts in program appraisal. By studying relationships, exchanges, network location and status, network structure and evolution, and participant characteristics and roles in the network, this approach provides a lens to important aspects of the longer-lasting, more sustainable contributions of public policy in affecting organisational capabilities to innovate. A key challenge currently is the integration of social network analysis with causal empirical models and more traditional economic approaches geared to assessing the outputs and impacts of R&D. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas Vonortas, 2013. "Social networks in R&D program evaluation," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 38(5), pages 577-606, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:38:y:2013:i:5:p:577-606
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-012-9261-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. G. M.P. Swann, 2009. "The Economics of Innovation," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 13211.
    2. Cowan, R. & Jonard, N., 2003. "The dynamics of collective invention," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 52(4), pages 513-532, December.
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    4. Franco Malerba & Nicholas S. Vonortas (ed.), 2009. "Innovation Networks in Industries," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 12781.
    5. Yannis Caloghirou & Nicholas S. Vonortas & Stavros Ioannides (ed.), 2004. "European Collaboration in Research and Development," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2084.
    6. Stefano Breschi & Lucia Cusmano, 2002. "Unveiling the Texture of a European Research Area: Emergence of Oligarchic Networks under EU Framework Programmes," KITeS Working Papers 130, KITeS, Centre for Knowledge, Internationalization and Technology Studies, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy, revised Jul 2002.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bastien Bernela & Rachel Levy, 2017. "Collaboration networks within a French cluster: Do partners really interact with each other?," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 96(1), pages 115-138, March.
    2. Lucena-Piquero, D. & Vicente, Jérôme, 2019. "The visible hand of cluster policy makers: An analysis of Aerospace Valley (2006-2015) using a place-based network methodology," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(3), pages 830-842.
    3. Bastien Bernela & Rachel Levy, 2014. "Collaboration networks in a French cluster: do partners really interact with each other?," Working Papers hal-00995175, HAL.
    4. Elisa Salvador & Florence Pinot de Villechenon & Humberto Lopez-Rizzo, 2014. "European SMEs and the Brazilian market: the key role of social networks," Post-Print hal-02520422, HAL.
    5. Jiaming Jiang & Rajeev K. Goel & Xingyuan Zhang, 2019. "Knowledge flows from business method software patents: influence of firms’ global social networks," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 44(4), pages 1070-1096, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Network; Research; R&D; Technology; Innovation; Evaluation; L14; L24; O32;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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