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Network-Induced Oscillatory Behavior in Material Flow Networks and Business Cycles

Author

Listed:
  • D.Helbing
  • S.Lämmer
  • T.Brenner
  • U.Witt

Abstract

Network theory is rapidly changing our understanding of complex systems, but the relevance of topological features for the dynamic behavior of metabolic networks, food webs, production systems,information networks, or cascade failures of power grids remains to be explored. Based on a simple model of supply networks, we offer an interpretation of instabilities and oscillations observed in biological, ecological, economic, and engineering systems. We find that most supply networks display damped oscillations, even when their units - and linear chains of these units - behave in a non-oscillatory way. Moreover, networks of damped oscillators tend to produce growing oscillations. This surprising behavior offers, for example, a new interpretation of business cycles and of oscillating or pulsating processes.The network structure of material flows itself turns out to be a source of instability, and cyclical variations are an inherent feature of decentralized adjustments.

Suggested Citation

  • D.Helbing & S.Lämmer & T.Brenner & U.Witt, 2004. "Network-Induced Oscillatory Behavior in Material Flow Networks and Business Cycles," Papers on Economics and Evolution 2004-08, Philipps University Marburg, Department of Geography.
    • Handle: RePEc:esi:evopap:2004-08
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    Cited by:

    1. Mizgier, Kamil J. & Wagner, Stephan M. & Holyst, Janusz A., 2012. "Modeling defaults of companies in multi-stage supply chain networks," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 135(1), pages 14-23.
    2. Anna M. Chmiel & Julian Sienkiewicz & Krzysztof Suchecki & Janusz A. Holyst, 2006. "Networks of companies and branches in Poland," Papers physics/0611147, arXiv.org.
    3. Dirk Helbing, 2013. "Economics 2.0: The Natural Step towards A Self-Regulating, Participatory Market Society," Papers 1305.4078, arXiv.org, revised Jun 2013.
    4. Helbing, Dirk & Treiber, Martin & Kesting, Arne, 2006. "Understanding interarrival and interdeparture time statistics from interactions in queuing systems," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 363(1), pages 62-72.

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