Published June 30, 2016 | Version v1
Thesis Open

Sustainability of CAPS Social Network: a Network Analysis Approach using Agent-Based Simulation

Creators

  • 1. Utrecht University

Contributors

  • 1. Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen
  • 2. University of Amsterdam

Description

This paper focuses on analyzing the structure of several egocentric networks of collective awareness platforms for sustainable innovation (CAPS). It answers the question whether the network structure is determinative for the sustainability of the created awareness. Based on a thorough literature review a model is developed explaining and operationalizing the concept of sustainability of a social network in terms of importance, effectiveness and robustness. By developing an agent-based model, the expected outcomes after the dissolution of the CAPS are predicted and compared with the results of a network with the same participants but with different ties. Twitter data from different CAPS is collected and used to feed the simulation. The results show that the structure of the network is of key importance for its sustainability. With this knowledge and the ability to simulate the results after network changes have taken place, CAPS can assess the sustainability of their legacy and actively steer towards a longer lasting potential for social innovation. The retrieved knowledge urges organizations like the European Commission to adopt a more blended approach focusing not only on solving societal issues but on building a community to sustain the initiated development.

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