Citation Networks and the Emergence of Knowledge Core

Abstract

Observations on the citation networks often confirm a core-periphery structure: A clustered group of artifacts possess the core knowledge to the field, which is widely cited by artifacts at periphery. We explain this as an outcome resulted from decentralized knowledge contributions from individuals who maximize their own utilities. Our model sheds insights on how knowledge creation, knowledge citation, and knowledge heterogeneity affect the emergence of knowledge core, in both cases of direct and indirect citations. We find through simulations that the core-periphery architecture of citation networks is robust to generalizations on knowledge heterogeneity and knowledge creativity. By studying the incentive rationale that underlies the growth of citation networks, our research has potential implications on the design and administration of intellectual communities.

Analysis of Countries’ Scientific Capability in Dual Scientific Roles

“…To make the iteration process converge and compare the capabilities of the different countries, we normalize KC c j (k) based on the sum of all the nodes' KC, and then obtain KC c j (k) in equation (5). In equation (6), node c i sends citations to node c j , so its KAD (marked as KAD c i (k)) is computed as the sum of total allocated credit v c i ,c j multipled by KC c j (k). We obtain KAD c i (k) in equation 7.…”

“…heterogeneity affect the emergence of a knowledge core [6]. An ecosystem, such as the ''scientific food web,'' can describe the mutual interdependencies and synergy effects in knowledge creation [7].…”

“…(5) (6) (7), C is a set of countries, k is the current iteration step. KAD c i (k − 1) is the KAD of node c i in the previous iteration.…”