Knowledge Networks, Collaboration Networks, and Exploratory Innovation

Chunlei Wang, Simon Rodan, Mark Fruin, Xiaoyan Xu · 2013 · Academy of Management Journal

Summary. Innovation depends on two distinct networks within firms: collaboration networks between researchers and knowledge networks linking knowledge elements. Using patent data from a microprocessor manufacturer, the study finds that structural holes in collaboration networks boost exploratory innovation, while structural holes in knowledge networks reduce it. Moderate centrality in knowledge networks maximizes exploration, but high centrality in collaboration networks decreases it. The two networks shape where researchers search for new discoveries.

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Wang, C., Rodan, S., Fruin, M., & Xu, X.. (2013). Knowledge Networks, Collaboration Networks, and Exploratory Innovation. Academy of Management Journal. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2011.0917

@article{wang-2013-knowledge-networks-collaboration-networks-exploratory,
  title   = {Knowledge Networks, Collaboration Networks, and Exploratory Innovation},
  author  = {Chunlei Wang and Simon Rodan and Mark Fruin and Xiaoyan Xu},
  journal = {Academy of Management Journal},
  year    = {2013},
  doi     = {10.5465/amj.2011.0917},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2011.0917}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Knowledge Networks, Collaboration Networks, and Exploratory Innovation
AU  - Chunlei Wang
AU  - Simon Rodan
AU  - Mark Fruin
AU  - Xiaoyan Xu
JO  - Academy of Management Journal
PY  - 2013
DO  - 10.5465/amj.2011.0917
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Details

DOI: 10.5465/amj.2011.0917
Countries: United States
Regions: North America
Categories: innovation-networks, innovation-theory, general-innovation
Added: 2026-04-28