Exploring the Evolution of Scientific Networks of Biotechnology Firms


Speaker


Abstract

Exploring the Evolution of Scientific Networks of Biotechnology Firms

Despite decades of network research, the crucial question, “How do networks evolve?” has not been sufficiently studied. We explore this question by analyzing the co-authorship networks in U.S. biotechnology firms. Specifically, from network management and network inertia perspectives, we argue that structural changes in the firms’ co-authorship networks are dependent on the specific characteristics of firms’ initial networks. Longitudinal analysis of the U.S. biotechnology firms over a span of seventeen years largely supports our arguments. Overall, we find that firms’ existing tie-specific characteristics in the form of a firm’s existing network size, tie strength, and the knowledge quality carried through these ties constitute significant determinants of network evolution.

David Deeds
Dr. Deeds is The Schulze Chair in Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas and the Director of the Morrison Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Dr. Deeds’ particular areas of specialization are strategy, technology management, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in corporate environments and the management of joint ventures and strategic alliances. His articles have appeared in numerous outlets including The Strategic Management Journal, The Journal of Business Venturing, Inc. Magazine, and The Journal of Product Innovation Management. He has provided executive seminars or served as a strategy consultant for companies around the globe including Alcoa, Cardinal Health, Digicel, Lubrizol, MedRad, United Supermarkets, Champion Technologies and numerous other companies and community organizations.

 
Contact information:
Prof.dr.ir. J.C.M. van den Ende

Email