@phdthesis{01JH0D5FH64W2CQQF6T88DB2X2,
  abstract     = {{This dissertation explores the intricate patterns of opinion dynamics and innovation in social networks and uses insights from various fields, such as complex systems, social physics, economics, network science, and agent-based modeling. It examines how opinions evolve and innovations emerge through social interactions, emphasizing the dynamic of innovation and the interdisciplinary approaches necessary to understand these dynamics. The study begins by defining the importance of innovation as a process that reinforces existing ideas, technologies, and skills, and improves system performance. It highlights the role of social interactions in the creation of innovation in diverse social contexts and discusses the impact of opinion dynamics, utility structures in cooperation, and social network heterogeneity on innovation outcomes. One major focus of this research is on opinion dynamics and studying how people regulate their opinions through social interactions. This research introduces a temporal version of a specific opinion dynamics model, which shows that bursts of activity influence opinion dynamics, diverse thought, polarization, and moderation in clusters of opinion. Another topic of discussion is the influence of the structure of social networks on innovation. This research develops a mechanistic model to examine how network structures facilitate or hinder the creation of new technologies. This suggests that local structural heterogeneity enhances individual innovation by exposing agents to diverse knowledge sources. However, this heterogeneity can limit the overall innovation of the group because only a few agents benefit from diverse knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of supporting less relevant factors and promoting equitable distribution of resources to enhance overall innovation outcomes. In addition, the study examines the cost and benefit of collaboration in innovation processes. This suggests that the relationship between the benefits and costs of cooperation significantly affects innovation outcomes. Building on these findings, this research offers practical recommendations for fostering collaboration, effectively managing opinion dynamics, and leveraging the heterogeneity of social networks to enhance innovation across diverse contexts. It emphasizes the importance of strategic investment in education, infrastructure, and technology transfer as essential components for building robust innovation ecosystems and driving sustainable economic growth. In general, this dissertation emphasizes the central role of social networks in promoting social and economic progress through innovation. By advancing our understanding of opinion dynamics, collaboration dynamics, and network structures, it paves the way for future research to address complex societal challenges and catalyze positive change in innovation theory and practice.}},
  author       = {{Zarei, Fatemeh}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{XXIV, 98}},
  publisher    = {{Ghent University. Faculty of Economics and Business Administration}},
  school       = {{Ghent University}},
  title        = {{The impact of social network structure, collaboration costs, and bursty activation on opinion dynamics and innovation via agent-based modeling}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}