Density and Strength of Ties in Innovation Networks: An Analysis of Multi-Media and Biotechnology

CentER Discussion Paper No. 2005-41

28 Pages Posted: 21 Apr 2005

See all articles by Victor A. Gilsing

Victor A. Gilsing

Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) - Eindhoven Center for Innovation Studies (ECIS); Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Rotterdam School of Management (RSM); Ministerie van Economische Zaken

Bart Nooteboom

Tilburg University - Tilburg University School of Economics and Management

Date Written: February 2005

Abstract

In this article, we provide an empirical illustration of hypotheses, developed in the literature, on the role of density and strength of ties in innovation networks. We study both exploration and exploitation networks in the Dutch multimedia and pharmaceutical biotechnology industry. We find support for most of our hypotheses but not all. These findings, in line with the mixed results in the literature, seem to indicate that the distinction between exploration versus exploitation, albeit useful, is still too general. There may be a stronger sectoral effect in how exploration and exploitation settle in network structural properties than anticipated thus far.

Keywords: Innovation, networks, density, strength of ties, governance, biotechnology, multimedia

JEL Classification: D23, D83, D85, L14, L63, L65

Suggested Citation

Gilsing, Victor A. and Nooteboom, Bart, Density and Strength of Ties in Innovation Networks: An Analysis of Multi-Media and Biotechnology (February 2005). CentER Discussion Paper No. 2005-41, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=706851 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.706851

Victor A. Gilsing (Contact Author)

Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) - Eindhoven Center for Innovation Studies (ECIS) ( email )

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Ministerie van Economische Zaken ( email )

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Bart Nooteboom

Tilburg University - Tilburg University School of Economics and Management ( email )

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Netherlands