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R&D ecology: using 2-mode network analysis to explore complexity in R&D environments
Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 22 (1-2): 93-111 (2005/0)
Аннотация
It has been demonstrated that a complex division of labor provides
for the diversity of knowledge that is critical for organizational
innovation and productivity Hage, J., 1999. Organizational innovation
and organizational change. Annual Review of Sociology 25, 597-622.
This article examines the impact of complexity in an R&D setting
and adopts the approach that collaborative research involves a range
of specialties and skills, which can be viewed separately from the
individuals involved in the collaboration process. To explore this
hypothesis, the use of 2-mode network analysis allows for an examination
of the interrelationships of these competencies within a cluster
of R&D projects in a large multi-disciplinary national laboratory.
These networks of competencies are shown to have structural characteristics,
which impact on the productivity of research projects. It is argued
that the interrelationship of network structure and complexity should
be given consideration in the management of R&D projects.
