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The Efficiency and Evolution of R&D Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Michael D König

    (Department of Economics - Tilburg University [Netherlands])

  • Stefano Battiston

    (CAMS - Centre d'Analyse et de Mathématique sociales - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Mauro Napoletano

    (OFCE - Observatoire français des conjonctures économiques (Sciences Po) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po)

  • Frank Schweitzer

    (Chair of Systems Design)

Abstract

This work introduces a new model to investigate the efficiency and evolution of networks of firms exchanging knowledge in R&D partnerships. We first examine the efficiency of a given network structure in terms of the maximization of total profits in the industry. We show that the efficient network structure depends on the marginal cost of collaboration. When the marginal cost is low, the complete graph is efficient. However, a high marginal cost implies that the efficient network is sparser and has a core-periphery structure. Next, we examine the evolution of the network struc- ture when the decision on collaborating partners is decentralized. We show the existence of mul- tiple equilibrium structures which are in general inefficient. This is due to (i) the path dependent character of the partner selection process, (ii) the presence of knowledge externalities and (iii) the presence of severance costs involved in link deletion. Finally, we study the properties of the emerg- ing equilibrium networks and we show that they are coherent with the stylized facts of R&D net- works.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael D König & Stefano Battiston & Mauro Napoletano & Frank Schweitzer, 2008. "The Efficiency and Evolution of R&D Networks," SciencePo Working papers Main hal-00973077, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:spmain:hal-00973077
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://sciencespo.hal.science/hal-00973077
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    R&D networks; technology spillovers; network efficiency; network formation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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