University of Twente Student Theses
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Integration of Social Network Analysis and Agent-Based Modeling Methods in the Industrial Symbiosis Context
Chakarov, Boyan (2025) Integration of Social Network Analysis and Agent-Based Modeling Methods in the Industrial Symbiosis Context.
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| Abstract: | behavioral processes need dynamic models. The aim of this thesis is to use Social Network Analysis (SNA) as well as Agent-based Modeling (ABM) for a better understanding of the evolution of inter-firm collaboration in the IS context. The introduction shows why SNA’s structural insights should be coupled with the actor-based model (ABM) to drive better insights than static or siloed methods. The research address the methodological gap of current IS modeling. A systematic literature review was performed using Scopus and identified 28 high-quality peer-reviewed studies that jointly applied SNA and ABM. A three-stage selection funnel is used in the methodology. The focus is on translating metrics, modeling trust and interaction mechanisms. The results for the research questions indicate that SNA measures of degree and betweenness centrality frequently find their way in the decision rules of agents in the ABM. These SNA measures determine how agents behave across the spectrum of the categories of reactive, deliberative and hybrid. The model realism of the research questions gets higher due to acceptance and trust that allow IS to have better networks. The synthesis section highlights that integration improves realism and strategic insights. However, the challenges are limited empirical validation, insufficient modeling of political governance layers, and frameworks varying across studies. In conclusion, the combination of SNA and ABM provides a more natural way to understand IS network formation in terms of structure and agency. As researchers embed trust and relational metrics into behavioral simulations, they can better inform policy, foster cooperation through time and support ecological resilience in industrial ecosystems. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science |
| Subject: | 01 general works |
| Programme: | Business & IT BSc (56066) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107508 |
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