Determining the Stability of Collaborative R&D Networks

To reduce the likelihood that R&D projects fail, companies tend to perform collaborative R&D activities in networks. A fundamental characteristic of networks is stability. This paper introduces a novel approach that theoretically determines the stability of R&D networks and combines the analysis of network topology with a two-layer simulation model.

Graph theory and measures from social network analysis are used to analyze the topology of collaborative R&D project networks. Our study enables us to identify the companies that play a key role in R&D networks. To ensure the right outcome of the collaborative R&D project, participants with a high betweenness centrality index should be monitored. These participants influence the stability of collaborative networks on a large scale. With these insights, an improved risk management approach can be set up.