How triangle structure in inter-firm human network affects bankruptcy evolution: An agent-based simulation study with real and artificial data

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of human factors on the evolution of inter-firm trade network emerging from bankruptcy. In particular, we concentrate on a local interaction mechanism, conceptualized as triangle structure, within the inter-firm human network. An agent-based model is employed to explore the effects of triangle structure-related properties in both real inter-firm human network constructed from empirical data of thousands Japanese firms, and artificially generated ones. The simulation results confirm the influential role of triangle structure-related human factors in bankruptcy: it not only enhances the benefits that firms can obtain from their inter-firm relationships, but also provides firms with few business partners the equal chance to survive in the bankrupt emergency.