scholarly journals Micro dynamics and macro stability in inventor networks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Fritsch ◽  
Muhamed Kudic
Keyword(s):  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Technology Research ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Subsequent Period ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Inventor Networks ◽  
Stable Structures

AbstractFrom a macro perspective, inventor networks tend to generate remarkably stable structures over time. At the same time, we observe highly dynamic processes at the micro level, in terms of inventor entries and exits as well as formations and terminations of collaborative relationships between them. In order to explain this—at least at the first glance—contradicting pattern, we investigate processes at the intermediate network level. Our analysis draws upon co-patenting data for the entire population of West German inventors in the field of laser technology research from the onset of the technology in the early 1960s over a period of 45 years. Our findings suggest that the key factor for maintaining structural stability of networks is that directly linked partners of inventors with stabilizing properties—so-called ‘key players’—take over this function in a subsequent period. We show that processes at the intermediate network level provide new insights on the co-existence of micro fluidity and macro stability in complex adaptive systems.

Theories of Communication Networks

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter R. Monge ◽  
Noshir Contractor
Keyword(s):  
Communication Networks ◽  
Computer Simulations ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Network Decomposition ◽  
Network Computer ◽  
Social Theories ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Almost All

To date, most network research contains one or more of five major problems. First, it tends to be atheoretical, ignoring the various social theories that contain network implications. Second, it explores single levels of analysis rather than the multiple levels out of which most networks are comprised. Third, network analysis has employed very little the insights from contemporary complex systems analysis and computer simulations. Foruth, it typically uses descriptive rather than inferential statistics, thus robbing it of the ability to make claims about the larger universe of networks. Finally, almost all the research is static and cross-sectional rather than dynamic. Theories of Communication Networks presents solutions to all five problems. The authors develop a multitheoretical model that relates different social science theories with different network properties. This model is multilevel, providing a network decomposition that applies the various social theories to all network levels: individuals, dyads, triples, groups, and the entire network. The book then establishes a model from the perspective of complex adaptive systems and demonstrates how to use Blanche, an agent-based network computer simulation environment, to generate and test network theories and hypotheses. It presents recent developments in network statistical analysis, the p* family, which provides a basis for valid multilevel statistical inferences regarding networks. Finally, it shows how to relate communication networks to other networks, thus providing the basis in conjunction with computer simulations to study the emergence of dynamic organizational networks.

The crucial roles of the artificial information systems web in intelligent human organizations

2003 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-124
Author(s):  
Liang Thow Yick
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Collective Intelligence ◽  
Physical Structure ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Intelligent Structure ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Human Thinking

Human organizations with human beings as interacting agents are complex adaptive systems. Such organizations continuously consume information, make decisions, and evolve with the changing environment. In this respect, all human organizations including businesses must enhance their collective intelligence in order to learn faster and compete more effectively. Thus, adopting an intelligent structure is vital to all businesses as the world moves deeper into the knowledge economy. The paradigmatic shift in thinking, structure, management and operation requires all intelligent human organizations to be designed around intelligence. An intelligent structure encompasses an orgmind, an intangible deep component, as well as a physical component. At the physical structure perspective, being able to identify, design and develop an artificial information systems network that synchronizes well with the orgmind is critical. The connectivity of the organization, and the manner in which it behaves, communicates and collaborates, depend on the effectiveness of its information systems network and its orgmind. The orgmind which is at least the collection of all the interacting human thinking systems must be fully aware of both the internal and external environments. Inevitably, in the new economy, intelligent human organizations must be equipped with a well-integrated intelligent information network which functions similarly to the nervous system in biological beings. This study examines the current status of artificial information systems and their networks in businesses with respect to the above concepts.

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