Network Perspectives in Innovation Research: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Abstract

Purpose: This article aims to provide a balanced understanding of the structural conditions and social processes involved in the creation and diffusion of innovation. Research design, data and methodology: Drawing on organizational and economic sociology and strategic management literature, this article offers a conceptual framework that highlights the two dimensions of network structures: the vertical dimension focusing on power and legitimacy vs. the horizontal dimension highlighting information value. By organizing the literature on the functions and consequences of network, this paper advances a theoretical perspective in understanding the vast array of empirical studies on innovation involving network analysis. Results: Using the proposed framework, this article explains how the mechanisms of power, legitimacy, and information value work together with social structural factors, thus enriching our understanding of innovation. This study reveals that the information mechanism (horizontal dimension) has been most important in innovation creation and diffusion, and that trust, credibility, and legitimacy are operative in innovation diffusion. Conclusions: This paper contributes to the literature by responding to calls to extend existing frameworks to better account for the dynamics between innovation and network. In addition, this article highlights how conceptualizing innovation within the horizontal-vertical dimensions of network structures, creates new opportunities for future research.