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Collective dynamics behind success

Author

Listed:
  • Manuel S. Mariani

    (University of Zurich)

  • Federico Battiston

    (Central European University)

  • Emőke-Ágnes Horvát

    (Northwestern University
    Northwestern University
    Northwestern University)

  • Giacomo Livan

    (Università degli Studi di Pavia
    Sezione di Pavia
    University College London)

  • Federico Musciotto

    (University of Palermo)

  • Dashun Wang

    (Northwestern University
    Northwestern University
    Northwestern University
    Northwestern University)

Abstract

Understanding the collective dynamics behind the success of ideas, products, behaviors, and social actors is critical for decision-making across diverse contexts, including hiring, funding, career choices, and the design of interventions for social change. Methodological advances and the increasing availability of big data now allow for a broader and deeper understanding of the key facets of success. Recent studies unveil regularities beneath the collective dynamics of success, pinpoint underlying mechanisms, and even enable predictions of success across diverse domains, including science, technology, business, and the arts. However, this research also uncovers troubling biases that challenge meritocratic views of success. This review synthesizes the growing, cross-disciplinary literature on the collective dynamics behind success and calls for further research on cultural influences, the origins of inequalities, the role of algorithms in perpetuating them, and experimental methods to further probe causal mechanisms behind success. Ultimately, these efforts may help to better align success with desired societal values.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel S. Mariani & Federico Battiston & Emőke-Ágnes Horvát & Giacomo Livan & Federico Musciotto & Dashun Wang, 2024. "Collective dynamics behind success," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-54612-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54612-4
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