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Social networks in R&D program evaluation

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Abstract

This paper introduces the social network methodology as a tool for evaluating important aspects of research and development (R&D) programs. It uses two detailed examples to illustrate the application of network concepts in program appraisal. By studying relationships, exchanges, network location and status, network structure and evolution, and participant characteristics and roles in the network, this approach provides a lens to important aspects of the longer-lasting, more sustainable contributions of public policy in affecting organisational capabilities to innovate. A key challenge currently is the integration of social network analysis with causal empirical models and more traditional economic approaches geared to assessing the outputs and impacts of R&D.

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Notes

  1. Pharmaceuticals SIC 2834; plastics SIC 2821; computers SIC 3571, 3572, 3575; electronics SIC 3661, 3663, 3674; instruments SIC 3826, 3827.

  2. See discussion in Sect. 3.

  3. The ICT-RTD network’s value of the exponent of the power law is 2.31, well within the typical range (between 2 and 3) of a scale-free network.

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Acknowledgments

Funding by the National Science Foundation under grant #0738112 and long terms support through the European Commission, DG Information Society and Media, are gratefully acknowledged. A longer version of this paper will appear in Link and Vonortas (2012), Northampton, MA.

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  1. Center for International Science and Technology Policy & Department of Economics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

    Nicholas S. Vonortas

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Correspondence to Nicholas S. Vonortas.

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Vonortas, N.S. Social networks in R&D program evaluation. J Technol Transf 38, 577–606 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-012-9261-z

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