The use of social network analysis in innovation studies: Mapping actors and technologies

Abstract

The utilization of social network analysis (SNA) in policy development and evaluation is still very limited. The aim of this paper is to identi6 research themes in innovation that may benefit from the application of SNA, and to examine implications for management and policy that are derived from this application in the academic literature. Three relevant research themes were identified: I) networks of collaboration; 2) communication networks; and 3) networks of technology. The implications for management and policy and promising directions for further research are discussed.