Vito Latora (Queen Mary University of London): Networks analysis of innovation ecosystems

Abstract | Whether scientists can benefit from restricting or broadening the scope of their research and of their social relations still remains largely unexplored. By drawing on some large data sets on scientific production and collaborations during several decades, I will first quantify the level of interdisciplinarity of individual scientists and the knowledge to which they are exposed through their collaborators, with the main purpose of unveiling advantages and disadvantages of interdisciplinarity in modern science. I will also discuss how funding in science impacts the way in which we collaborate, and the other way around. Finally I will move from science to business, presenting an example of how network science can help to identify early-stage indicators of the future success of a startup or of the entire innovation ecosystem of a city or a region.

Bio | Vito Latora is Professor of Applied Mathematics and Chair of Complex Systems at the School of Mathematical Sciences of Queen Mary University of London. He is also Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Catania and External Faculty of the Complexity Science Hub of Vienna. His research deals with several aspects of complex systems, from fundamental aspects of their structure and dynamics to interdisciplinary applications integrating physics and mathematics with social and biological sciences. Vito's recent interests are in modeling dynamical processes on multiplex and temporal networks, and on higher-order structures, such as simplicial complexes and hypergraphs. Vito is currently collaborating with neuroscientists and anthropologists to understand the network components of creativity, innovation and success. His new textbook on Complex Networks: https://www.cambridge.org/9781107103184; all accompanying algorithms and datasets can be found at: http://www.complex-networks.net/

Zoom | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87144055444?pwd=pj0mCqRbmcSWlrpUp8A8K5fliRaOKQ.1