The effects of reputation on inequality in network cooperation games

In the last several decades, ample evidence from across evolutionary biology, behavioural economics and econophysics has solidified our knowledge that reputation can promote cooperation across different contexts and environments. Higher levels of cooperation entail higher final payoffs on average, but how are these payoffs distributed among individuals? This study investigates how public and objective reputational information affects payoff inequality in repeated social dilemma interactions in large groups. I consider two aspects of inequality: excessive dispersion of final payoffs and diminished correspondence between final payoff and cooperative behaviour. I use a simple heuristics-based agent model to demonstrate that reputational information does not always increase the dispersion of final payoffs in strategically updated networks, and actually decreases it in randomly rewired networks. More importantly, reputational information almost always improves the correspondence between final payoffs and cooperative behaviour. I analyse empirical data from nine experiments of the repeated Trust, Helping, Prisoner's Dilemma and Public Good games in networks of ten or more individuals to provide partial support for the predictions. Our research suggests that reputational information not only improves cooperation but may also reduce inequality. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The language of cooperation: reputation and honest signalling'.

Supply chain integration, capability and performance – a business-to-business network cooperation

Purpose Supply chain integration (SCI) is a critical issue in the study of supply chain management in terms of working with partners on business networks to complete tasks, enhance capability and increase performance in a collaborative supply chain process. Thus, this study aims to investigate the influence of SCI and supply chain capability (SCC) on supply chain performance (SCP) which has a positive effect according to the degree of integration (DI) in a supply chain management process. Furthermore, the DI has a direct or indirect impact on how SCI affects SCP. Design/methodology/approach Through a questionnaire-survey, 454 valid responses were collected. This study investigates the relationships between SCI, SCC, SCP and the DI in the Taiwan elevator by using a structured equations model. The DI is considered as a variable for the effect of a moderated mediation in the research model. Findings It was found that SCI, directly and indirectly, affected the SCP in a positive way. In addition, the research model is a partial mediation model and that SCC plays a mediator role and DI also existing a moderated mediating effect in the research model. The indirect effect of SCI on SCP through SCC is stronger at higher levels of DI than at lower levels of DI. Originality/value This is the first study that suggests and empirically tests the moderated mediating impacts of the integration degree on the relationships between SCI, capability and performance with suppliers of the elevator manufacturing supply chain as the business-to-business network cooperation example in Taiwan.

Business simulation in higher education: A case study from a network cooperation perspective

The importance of cooperation between higher education institutions (HEIs) has increased and allows the development of competitive advantages, particularly through the transfer of knowledge and technology. Establishing well-conceived and well-managed cooperation networks can bring benefits and overcome obstacles. This article assesses the importance of cooperation between HEIs, characterizing the type of partner suitable for the establishment of cooperation and analysing the benefits and barriers that may arise. To achieve this objective, a qualitative approach based on a case study was adopted. Portuguese HEIs cooperating in the Business Simulation (BS) project were analysed. The results obtained reveal that cooperation between HEIs, more specifically in the BS project, is fundamental for the exchange of knowledge, the acquisition of new technology and platforms, and the acquisition of new work practices. However, it will be necessary to overcome barriers, principally of a more technological nature. This study uses a new and innovative structure, employing a model that expands knowledge on the topic by identifying three dimensions that influence cooperation between HEIs. The authors also present implications for theory and practice and propose an agenda for future research.

Types of open models for high-tech innovation creation and intellectual property protection

The research aims to confirm the working hypothesis, identify the features of high-tech products of civilian use and analyze real “acting” projects implemented within the OI strategy. The analysis was carried out based on the information and systematic understanding of ideas presented in scientific articles, book chapters, etc., using induction and deduction (as a case study of Xerox, Fuji Xerox, Cisco, and Siemens companies), methods of formal and dialectical logic to understand the benefits from network cooperation and OI strategy. Thus, for example, it is shown that the OI concept in company strategies takes on the character of either institutional cooperation in the form of technological convergence or networking with the involvement of a wide range of participants in the latter: from students and university professors to companies and their employees, including foreign centers established by the interested parties, etc.

How neurons exploit fractal geometry to optimize their network connectivity

We investigate the degree to which neurons are fractal, the origin of this fractality, and its impact on functionality. By analyzing three-dimensional images of rat neurons, we show the way their dendrites fork and weave through space is unexpectedly important for generating fractal-like behavior well-described by an ‘effective’ fractal dimension D. This discovery motivated us to create distorted neuron models by modifying the dendritic patterns, so generating neurons across wide ranges of D extending beyond their natural values. By charting the D-dependent variations in inter-neuron connectivity along with the associated costs, we propose that their D values reflect a network cooperation that optimizes these constraints. We discuss the implications for healthy and pathological neurons, and for connecting neurons to medical implants. Our automated approach also facilitates insights relating form and function, applicable to individual neurons and their networks, providing a crucial tool for addressing massive data collection projects (e.g. connectomes).

Network Organizations

Contemporary organizations must not only react, but also adapt to the never-ending changes. These are both technological and social in nature and occur in all areas of life and the economy. As a result, the current forms of management and traditional business models do not always turn out to be effective. One of the solutions for the new market requirements is cooperation in network structures. Modern technology makes it possible. The chapter presents the genesis and definition of organizations with a network and hybrid structure, and the factors determining the undertaking of cooperation activities between different organizations. The consequences of such cooperation between organizations were also indicated. The chapter presents the outcomes of the survey conducted in 2020, under exceptional conditions, due to the epidemiological situation in the world. In this unusual situation, network cooperation acquires a new, special meaning for the future economy.

Synergetic effects of network interconnections in the conditions of virtual reality

PURPOSE: The disclosure of the content of the synergetic effect, as a result of network interactions of development institutions in a new economic virtual reality, and the presentation of the general characteristics of their relationships through knowledge of the functioning of clusters, which in the XXI century occurs during the digitalization of the economy, resulting in digital products/services and various platforms. METHODOLOGY: On the basis of dialectical, systemic and matrix methods and using the institutional-network approach, the characteristic features of network interactions of cluster formations in the conditions of virtual reality are studied, which are becoming the norm today, a good quality and effective rule for the practical implementation of various sectors of the economy in the course of digitalization of the economy. The method of comparison is used in terms of conditions for the formation of an innovation-digital cluster from the standpoint of the theory of institutionalism. FINDINGS: Network cooperation in the conditions of virtual reality demonstrates synergetic effects through new forms of qualitative accumulation and an increase of new knowledge, which occur through their network replication (division), and innovative growth is the result of the formation in the economy and society of a new, network model of coordination of connections, network cooperation of new quality, constantly adjusted by digital tools. The synergistic effect of networking creates a new phenomenon of growing marginal utility and growing marginal productivity from innovative glocalization and digital globalization. The greater the scale of innovation and digital activities is in the conditions of virtual reality, the greater the efficiency is of the use of additional resources. The effect of scale is especially pronounced within the network, which uses the standards produced and tested by it. IMPLICATIONS FOR THEORY AND PRACTICE: It is proved that the synergetic approach used in the formation and development of innovation-digital clusters is considered through the prism of the relationship “subject – subjective relationship of innovation-active organizations and digital enterprises.” In addition, in our case, this effect lies in the plane of restructuring the “old” development institutions in the “new”, under the influence of the relevant institutional and legal basis, systemic and comprehensive modernization and diversification of all sectors of production, improvement of the innovation and investment situation, construction of effective innovation and digital virtual-real infrastructure of the European standard, implementation of clustering of the economy using the opportunities of network cooperation.. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: The content of a virtual slice of network interaction of cluster formations in the conditions of virtual reality offered by the authors is revealed; the authors’ vision of its structural elements is given, as from a digital network augmented and virtual socio-economic reality; the taxonomy and categorization of terminology with the help of which it is possible to reveal the formation of network cooperation in the conditions of virtual reality and its further development are investigated; on the basis of the conducted deep theoretical and methodological analysis and the presentation of a retrospective of innovation and digital changes, a step-by-step transformation of cluster formations is shown. The basis of network economy is network institutions, entities, organizations, in addition, it forms an environment in which any business entity or individual, which, no matter where it is in the economic system, has been able to communicate easily and at minimal cost with any other company or individual about working together, trading issues, or know-how, or just for fun in the conditions of the new virtual reality.