The Nature Of Network Evolution: Emergent Structures And Process Models

Theories and models of structural evolution are reviewed drawing in part on earlier work of the researchers involved. The nature of network structure and structuring processes are discussed as well as the nature of firm and network boundaries. Process models of structure are introduced in which network structure and evolution emerges in a bottom up, self-organising fashion. Issues of complexity and non-linearity are discussed and their relevance to understanding network structure and evolution. This paper provides the theoretical background for the remaining papers in the session.