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Networks as Emergent Structures from Bilateral Collaboration

Author

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  • Cowan, Robin
  • Jonard, Nicolas
  • Zimmermann, J-B

    (MERIT)

Abstract

In this paper we model the formation of innovation networks as they emerge from bilateral actions. The effectiveness of a bilateral collaboration is determined by cognitive, relational and structural embeddedness. Innovation results from the recombination of knowledge held by the partners to the collaboration, and the extent to which agents’ knowledge complement each others is an issue of cognitive embeddedness. Previous collaborations (relational embeddedness) increase the probability of a successful collaboration; as does information gained from common third parties (structural embeddedness). As a result of repeated alliance formation, a network emerges whose properties are studied, together with those of the process of knowledge creation. Two features are central to the innovation process: how agents pool their knowledge resources; and how agents derive information about potential partners. We focus on the interplay between these two dimensions, and find that they both matter. The networks that emerge are not random, but in certain parts of the parameter space have properties of small worlds. (JEL Classification: L14, Z13, O3 Keywords: Networks, Innovation, Network Formation, Knowledge)

Suggested Citation

  • Cowan, Robin & Jonard, Nicolas & Zimmermann, J-B, 2004. "Networks as Emergent Structures from Bilateral Collaboration," Research Memorandum 017, Maastricht University, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:umamer:2004017
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    File URL: https://unu-merit.nl/publications/rmpdf/2004/rm2004-017.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Albert Banal-Estañol & Inés Macho-Stadler & David Pérez-Castrillo, 2016. "Key success drivers in public research grants: Funding the seeds of radical innovation in academia?," Economics Working Papers 1518, Department of Economics and Business, Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
    2. R. Cowan & N. Jonard & J. -B. Zimmermann, 2007. "Evolving networks of inventors," Springer Books, in: Uwe Cantner & Franco Malerba (ed.), Innovation, Industrial Dynamics and Structural Transformation, pages 129-148, Springer.
    3. Pedro Campos & Pavel Brazdil & Isabel Mota, 2013. "Comparing Strategies of Collaborative Networks for R&D: An Agent-Based Study," Computational Economics, Springer;Society for Computational Economics, vol. 42(1), pages 1-22, June.
    4. Banal-Estañol, Albert & Macho-Stadler, Inés & Pérez-Castrillo, David, 2019. "Evaluation in research funding agencies: Are structurally diverse teams biased against?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(7), pages 1823-1840.
    5. Robert Huggins & Piers Thompson, 2015. "Entrepreneurship, innovation and regional growth: a network theory," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 45(1), pages 103-128, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    industrial organization ;

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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