Explaining the structure of inter-organizational networks using exponential random graph models: does proximity matter?

Tom Broekel () and Matte Hartog ()

No 1107, Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) from Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography

Abstract: A key question raised in recent years is which factors determine the structure of inter-organizational networks. While the focus has primarily been on different forms of proximity between organizations, which are determinants at the dyad level, recently determinants at the node and structural level have been highlighted as well. To identify the relative importance of determinants at these three different levels for the structure of networks that are observable at only one point in time, we propose the use of exponential random graph models. Their usefulness is exemplified by an analysis of the structure of the knowledge network in the Dutch aviation industry in 2008 for which we find determinants at all different levels to matter. Out of different forms of proximity, we find that once we control for determinants at the node and structural network level, only social proximity remains significant.

Keywords: exponential random graph models; inter-organizational network structure; network analysis; proximity; aviation industry; economic geography (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D85 L14 L62 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 35 pages
Date: 2011-04, Revised 2011-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cse, nep-geo, nep-net, nep-sbm, nep-soc and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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