Small worlds and regional innovative advantage
By: Lee Fleming, Charles King, III, Adam Juda
Contributors: Juda, Adam; King, Charles, 1952-; Harvard Business School. Division of Research
Edition: Rev.
Series: Working paper / Division of Research, Harvard Business School -- 04-008; Working paper (Harvard Business School. Division of Research) -- 04-008
Publisher: Division of Research, Harvard Business School
Published: 2004
Place of publication: Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 47
Description: Although small-world networks have attracted much theoretical attention and are widely thought to enhance creativity, fewer empirical studies of their evolution and influence on subsequent innovative productivity exist. Using patent coauthorship data, we illustrate crossovers from large- to small-world structures and the emergence and disappearance of giant components in regional collaboration networks. Based on personal experience and interviews with inventors, we argue that patent coauthorship ties span a wide distribution of strength and information transfer capacity. Because their decay rates vary greatly, a sizeable number of old ties remain viable.
Notes: "August 1, 2004"--Added t.p.

Includes bibliographical references.