How Do Innovation Network Structures Affect Knowledge Sharing? A Simulation Analysis of Complex Networks

Abstract

Knowledge has become an important resource that can help enterprises gain a competitive advantage in the market. In this regard, knowledge sharing in the process of cooperative innovation provides an important way to acquire knowledge. With the development of innovation, the innovation network has become an important carrier of knowledge sharing, which can also have an influence on knowledge sharing. Based on knowledge management theory and complex network theory, this study constructed a multilayer network environment for knowledge sharing. It then identified the network elements and knowledge-sharing paths that influence knowledge sharing from microperspectives and macroperspectives. On this basis, the effects of node cohesion and weak connection on knowledge sharing in small-world and scale-free topologies were analyzed by computer simulation. The results showed that, in an innovation network with a scale-free topology, cohesion and weak ties had a great influence on the average knowledge level and knowledge equilibrium. Meanwhile, in small-world topological innovation networks, a mixed path had the best promotion effect on network knowledge sharing.