Quantifying knowledge exchange in R&D networks: a data-driven model
Authored by Frank Schweitzer, Mario V Tomasello, Claudio J Tessone, Giacomo Vaccario
Date Published: 2018
DOI: 10.1007/s00191-018-0569-1
Sponsors:
European Union
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Model Code URLs:
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Abstract
We propose a model that reflects two important processes in R\&D
activities of firms, the formation of R\&D alliances and the exchange of
knowledge as a result of these collaborations. In a data-driven
approach, we analyze two large-scale data sets, extracting unique
information about 7500 R\&D alliances and 5200 patent portfolios of
firms. These data are used to calibrate the model parameters for network
formation and knowledge exchange. We obtain probabilities for incumbent
and newcomer firms to link to other incumbents or newcomers able to
reproduce the topology of the empirical R\&D network. The position of
firms in a knowledge space is obtained from their patents using two
different classification schemes, IPC in eight dimensions and
ISI-OST-INPI in 35 dimensions. Our dynamics of knowledge exchange
assumes that collaborating firms approach each other in knowledge space
at a rate mu for an alliance duration tau. Both parameters are obtained
in two different ways, by comparing knowledge distances from simulations
and empirics and by analyzing the collaboration efficiency . This is a
new measure that takes in account the effort of firms to maintain
concurrent alliances, and is evaluated via extensive computer
simulations. We find that R\&D alliances have a duration of around two
years and that the subsequent knowledge exchange occurs at a very low
rate. Hence, a firm's position in the knowledge space is rather a
determinant than a consequence of its R\&D alliances. From our
data-driven approach we also find model configurations that can be both
realistic and optimized with respect to the collaboration efficiency .
Effective policies, as suggested by our model, would incentivize shorter
R\&D alliances and higher knowledge exchange rates.
Tags
Agent-based model
Evolution
Performance
Innovation
Dynamics
Efficiency
Knowledge exchange
partnerships
Impact
Firm
Industry
Alliances
Strategic alliances
Biotechnology
Inter-firm network
R\&d alliances
Patents
Interorganizational collaboration
Innovation
networks
Structural holes
Local search