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11.11.05

Event about excellent networks

FAS.research has presented a study on how to define and measure excellence within networks. According to this presentation, the parameters that distinguish good from inappropriate networks are:
. efficiency
. stability
. diversity

However, the composition of the three parameters should change (in order to have an excellent network) at specific circumstances, such as:
. a network for radical innovation
. a network for incremental development
. a network for production
. a network for diffusion

Although the study gives same evidence, why the three parameters were chosen (based on other research results), I question the assumption that three parameters are the same in every network type. I suppose that the focus was on innovation (radical rather than incremental) and have then be mapped onto the other types. FAS presented a valuable compilation of findings within the social network analysis, the proper selection of parameters still have to be proved.

Harald Katzmair also spoke about structural capital in connection with social networks. This is interesting, since in the intellectual capital domain, structural capital clearly relates to a different meaning (as those assets that stay in an organisation when employees have gone home). Relations or networks are then classified as relational capital. I think this is an important point, as networks display a structure when observed in an isolated model, but they are not defining the structure for innovative systems.

Stefan Thurner from the COSY group linked complexity theory and social network analysis in a very interesting speech. A lot of insights from complexity theory can be also applied to business diagnosis (since socio-economic systems are mostly highly complex). This is my special field of interest and consulting offering.

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