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An Agent-based Model of Interdisciplinary Science and the Evolution of Scientific Research Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Dan Farhat

    (Department of Economics, University of Otago, New Zealand)

Abstract

This study proposes an agent-based model of the impact of research success on the structure of scientific communities. In the model, heterogeneous scientists scattered about a ‘social landscape’ influence each other through networking. Peer networks are allowed to change based on the accumulated achievements (or prestige) of researchers. The dynamics of these networks are illustrated. The framework is then adjusted to allow for interdisciplinary practices (modelled as network links to more distant peers on the social landscape). Separate disciplines are shown to collapse into a single, large scientific network. Managing growing research networks, therefore, becomes a concern.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Farhat, 2013. "An Agent-based Model of Interdisciplinary Science and the Evolution of Scientific Research Networks," Working Papers 1302, University of Otago, Department of Economics, revised Jan 2013.
    • Handle: RePEc:otg:wpaper:1302
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    File URL: http://www.otago.ac.nz/economics/research/otago076636.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2013
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tesfatsion, Leigh S., 2002. "Agent-Based Computational Economics: Growing Economies from the Bottom Up," Staff General Research Papers Archive 5075, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    2. Daniel Farhat, 2011. "Virtually science: an agent-based model of the rise and fall of scientific research programs," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(4), pages 363-385, December.
    3. Nigel Gilbert & Andreas Pyka & Petra Ahrweiler, 2001. "Innovation Networks - a Simulation Approach," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 4(3), pages 1-8.
    4. Andreas Pyka & Nigel Gilbert & Petra Ahrweiler, 2006. "Simulating Knowledge-Generation and -Distribution Processes in Innovation Collaborations and Networks," Discussion Paper Series 287, Universitaet Augsburg, Institute for Economics.
    5. D. Wade Hands, 2004. "Constructivism: The Social Construction of Scientific Knowledge," Chapters, in: John B. Davis & Alain Marciano & Jochen Runde (ed.), The Elgar Companion To Economics and Philosophy, chapter 10, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    6. Lynne Hamill & Nigel Gilbert, 2009. "Social Circles: A Simple Structure for Agent-Based Social Network Models," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 12(2), pages 1-3.
    7. John B. Davis & Alain Marciano & Jochen Runde (ed.), 2004. "The Elgar Companion To Economics and Philosophy," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2696.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Agent-based modelling; evolution of academic networks; interdisciplinary science; sociology of science;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics
    • B49 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Other
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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