Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Cowan, Robin
Author-Email: cowan@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT/MGSoG, Maastricht University, and BETA, Universite de
	 Strassbourg
Author-Name: Kamath, Anant
Author-Email: kamath@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT/MGSoG
Title: Interactive knowledge exchanges under complex social relations: A simulation model
Abstract: This is a model of knowledge exchange by means of informal interaction
	 among agents in low technology clusters. What this study seeks to do is
	 to colour these exchanges by placing them in an environment of complex
	 social relations, test whether the small-world network structure is the
	 most favourable for knowledge exchanges in these environments, and
	 explore the influence of social relations and network distance. These
	 enquiries are the contribution of this model to the existing series of
	 studies on efficient network structures for knowledge diffusion. We find
	 that the small-world network structure may not be the best network
	 structure for highest and most equitable knowledge distribution, when
	 knowledge exchanges are undertaken in environments of complex social
	 relations. Also, we confirm that the highest and most equitable
	 knowledge distribution is achieved when there is perfect affinity among
	 the agents.      
Classification-JEL: D85, O33, Z13
Keywords: Knowledge Exchanges, Small-Worlds, Social Networks, Complex Social Relations
Series: UNU-MERIT Working Papers
Creation-Date: 2013
Number: 2013-004
File-URL: https://unu-merit.nl/publications/wppdf/2013/wp2013-004.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 275 Kb
Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2013004