BibTex format
@inproceedings{Ter:2010,
author = {Ter, Wal ALJ},
title = {The dynamics of the inventor network in German biotechnology: Geographical proximity versus triadic closure},
year = {2010}
}
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Citation
RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)
TY - CPAPER
AB - This paper intends to contribute to the growing literature on network dynamics by critically assessing the spatial component in the dynamic analysis of networks. The paper juxtaposes geographical proximity and triadic closure ' i.e. the formation of closed triangles ' as two alternative mechanisms in the evolution of networks. It argues that the role of both mechanisms is subject to change over time as the technological regime of an industry changes. More precisely, the paper proposes that geographical proximity between inventors is mostly relevant for tie formation in the early stage of the industry, when knowledge is predominantly tacit. By contrast, the closed triangles as produced by triadic closure act as vehicles of trust gaining relevance once the industry gets more established, with higher levels of knowledge codification and the associated risk of unintended and costly knowledge leakages. These trends are empirically tested taking biotechnology in Germany as an example of an evolving, spatially agglomerated knowledge-intensive industry. On the basis of a patent-based reconstruction of the inventor network and a stochastic estimation model of network evolution, the study confirms that geographical proximity becomes less important and triadic closure more important over time as a determinant of tie formation.
AU - Ter,Wal ALJ
PY - 2010///
TI - The dynamics of the inventor network in German biotechnology: Geographical proximity versus triadic closure
ER -