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On the creation of networks and knowledge

Author

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

    (MERIT)

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of networks when innovation takes place as a result of agents bringing together their knowledge endowments. Agents freely form pairs creating a globally stable matching. paired agents combine their existing knowledge to create new knowledge. We study the properties of the dynamic network formed by these interactions, and the resultant knowledge dynamics. Each agent carries an amount of knowledge of a certain type, and the innovative output of a pair is a function of the partners'' endowments and types. We find evidence that the pattern of substitution between quantity and type of knowledge in the innovation function is vital in determining the growth of knowledge, the emergence of expertise and the stability of a number of network structures. Network structure itself exhibits a phase change when the relative importance of diversity compared to quantity increases beyond a threshold value.

Suggested Citation

  • Cowan, Robin & Jonard, Nicolas & Zimmermann, J-B, 2004. "On the creation of networks and knowledge," Research Memorandum 010, Maastricht University, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:umamer:2004010
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    File URL: https://www.merit.unu.edu/publications/rmpdf/2004/rm2004-010.pdf
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. 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.
    2. Yang, Guang-Yong & Hu, Zhao-Long & Liu, Jian-Guo, 2015. "Knowledge diffusion in the collaboration hypernetwork," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 419(C), pages 429-436.
    3. Lorenzo Cassi & Lorenzo Zirulia, 2008. "The opportunity cost of social relations: On the effectiveness of small worlds," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 77-101, February.
    4. Erbes, Analía & Tacsir, Ezequiel & Yoguel, Gabriel, 2008. "Endogenous competences and linkages development," MPRA Paper 20434, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Jian-Guo Liu & Guang-Yong Yang & Zhao-Long Hu, 2014. "A Knowledge Generation Model via the Hypernetwork," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(3), pages 1-8, March.
    6. Tur, Elena M. & Azagra-Caro, Joaquín M., 2018. "The coevolution of endogenous knowledge networks and knowledge creation," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 424-434.
    7. Cowan, Robin, 2004. "Network models of innovation and knowledge diffusion," Research Memorandum 016, Maastricht University, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    economics of technology ;

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