Innovation networks : theory and practice

This book presents a broad overview of the multifaceted phenomena of innovation networks, which have assumed increasing importance with the emergence of the so-called 'knowledge economy'. The topic of innovation networks is analysed through different lenses, bringing together the theory of self-organisation, complexity theory and recent developments in the economic and sociological literature on innovation. The aim of the book is the integration of these different perspectives in order to develop a common theory of innovation networks. In this respect, a general model of innovation networks is applied to different industrial sectors such as the biotechnology industry, the telecommunications industry, and knowledge-intensive business systems which form the backbone of the internet economy. By combining empirical case studies with theoretical work on the emergence of innovation networks, the authors are able to identify the mechanisms and circumstances which can contribute to their successful development and evaluation. Innovation Networks is the result of a two year collaboration between academics from a range of different disciplines including theoretical physics, political science, computer science, sociology and economics. As such, it will appeal to students, scholars and researchers in all of these fields as well as business and R&D managers, and policymakers and politicians involved in the promotion of technology policy.