An Agent-based Model of Interdisciplinary Science and the Evolution of Scientific Research Networks

Dan Farhat ()
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Dan Farhat: Department of Economics, University of Otago, New Zealand

No 1302, Working Papers from University of Otago, Department of Economics

Abstract: This study proposes an agent-based model of the impact of research success on the structure of scientific communities. In the model, heterogeneous scientists scattered about a ‘social landscape’ influence each other through networking. Peer networks are allowed to change based on the accumulated achievements (or prestige) of researchers. The dynamics of these networks are illustrated. The framework is then adjusted to allow for interdisciplinary practices (modelled as network links to more distant peers on the social landscape). Separate disciplines are shown to collapse into a single, large scientific network. Managing growing research networks, therefore, becomes a concern.

Keywords: Agent-based modelling; evolution of academic networks; interdisciplinary science; sociology of science (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A14 B49 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 12 pages
Date: 2013-01, Revised 2013-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cmp and nep-sog
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http://www.otago.ac.nz/economics/research/otago076636.pdf First version, 2013 (application/pdf)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:otg:wpaper:1302

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