Strategic Management of Innovation Networks

Suitable for a one- or two-semester course for undergraduate and graduate students, this interdisciplinary textbook explains the diverse aspects of innovation and social networks, which occupy a central place in business and policy agendas. Its unified approach presents networks as nested systems that can span organisations, industries, regions, and markets, giving students a holistic perspective and reducing the amount of effort required to learn the theoretical framework for each layer. With engaging real-world examples, the text also provides a practical guide on how to manage networks to increase innovation and improve performance. Topics covered include forming teams to foster creativity, selecting partners and leveraging partnerships for learning, managing organisational change, and sponsoring technologies in communities. Students will learn the metrics used in social network analysis and how they are interpreted and applied. Suggested reading lists and online resources offer opportunities for further review and practice.

Part I. Opening the Black Box of Innovation Networks: 1. Introduction; 2. Two sides of innovation: search and selection; 3. Network as a nested system; 4. Social network analysis for innovation networks; 5. Managing innovation networks; Part II. Search Processes: 6. Alliances, networks, and learning; 7. Creativity and networks; 8. Users, product systems, and networks; Part III. Selection Processes: 9. Decision-making, signals, and new ventures; 10. Networks and organisational change; 11. Networks and diffusion; Part IV. Behind Networks: 12. Tie formation and dissolution; 13. Network evolution.

Müge Özman is ‎Professor of Management at Institut Mines-Télécom, Paris. She has participated in major projects funded by the European Union, and worked with a variety of both small and large companies on innovation-related projects.