Self-organization of R&D search in complex technology spaces

MERIT-Infonomics Research Memorandum series Self-organization of R&D search in complex technology spaces

We extend an earlier model of innovation dynamics based on invasive percolation by adding endogenous R&D search by economically motivated firms. The {0,1} seeding of the technology lattice is now replaced by draws from a lognormal distribution for technology ‘difficulty’. Firms are rewarded for successful innovations by increases in their R&D budget. We compare two regimes. In the first, firms ...

In Search of Self-Organization

Self-Organization of Complex Systems

The basic laws of physics are simple, so why is the world complex? The theory of selforganized criticality posits that complex behavior in nature emerges from the dynamics of extended, dissipative systems that evolve through a sequence of meta-stable states into a critical state, with long range spatial and temporal correlations. Minor disturbances lead to intermittent events of all sizes. Thes...

Self-Organization and Complex Networks

In this chapter we discuss how the results developed within the theory of fractals and Self–Organized Criticality (SOC) can be fruitfully exploited as ingredients of adaptive network models. In order to maintain the presentation self– contained, we first review the basic ideas behind fractal theory and SOC. We then briefly review some results in the field of complex networks, and some of the mo...

Evolutionary self-organization in complex fluids.

This paper explores the ability of molecular evolution to take control of collective physical phases, making the first decisive step from independent replicators towards cell-like collective structures. We develop a physical model of replicating combinatorial molecules in a ternary fluid of hydrocarbons, amphiphiles and water. Such systems are being studied experimentally in various laboratorie...