NETWORK STRUCTURE AND INNOVATION IN STRATEGIC INNOVATION NETWORKS

Abstract

This paper seeks to improve our understanding of how network structure affects innovation outcomes in strategic innovation networks. The theoretical argument is illustrated by the case of a Swedish strategic innovation network. Asocial network analysis of the relationships between 58 network members was conducted. Roughly half of the network actors were involved in producing innovations; they had significantly larger, higher-density networks and occupied more central positions in their networks than did those not participating in the innovation or scientific work.