The Study Of The Structural Characteristics Of The Innovation Network Theory And Application Of The Impact Of Cluster Innovation

Innovation is the mechanism for the growth of cluster.(Baptista & Swann, 1998).The thesis for innovation of cluster has been so hot a problem in cluster research. According to Rothwell(1992), the innovation mode has changed from Technology pulling,Marketing pulling,Mutual mode,Integrating mode to Networking Innovation that called the Fifth generation of Innovation mode. Networking innovation was named for different points of view, such as National Innovation System and Regional Innovation Network. As to the cluster, Networking innovation of cluster is just Cluster Innovation Network(CIN). In the recent years, many scholars put their eyes in CIN, such as Geoffrey(2005),Liu Qiongfang(2003),Wei Jiang(2003),Cai Ning(2005)etc. Many productions appear. But at present, much effort was done in Concept Explaining,Frame Analysis and Functions of CIN. Being lack of new methods and new tools, the research about the relation between Network Structure and Innovation of Cluster hasn't been done. Few literatures can be found.Based on the viewpoint, the paper focuses on the research of Microcosmic network structure's effect on the innovation of cluster. As to the level of the Industrial Cluster, the paper will make the relations between the network structure characteristics and the innovation potential ability,innovation process. As to the level of firms, the paper attempts to examine the questions whether the firms'position structure variables such as Betweenness,Degrees,Structural holes influence firms'innovation performance. Using the different viewpoints from previous research, the research in the paper was based on the Sociology theories and methods, such as Social Network Analysis,New Economic Sociology etc.The main content will be followed:(1) Analyzing the concept and characteristics the CIN. Studying the nodes,ties,resources in the Cluster Innovation Network. (2)Bring forward to the steps of CIN describing and studying. Analyzing all kinds of variables of CIN. (3)Analyzing network advantage of the innovation of cluster. Introducing the influence of regional culture on the innovation of clusters.(4) Studying the influences of network structure characteristics(such as Network Density,Network Centralization etc)on the innovation process of clusters.(5) According to the empirical research, validating the influence degree of firm's position structure variables (Betweenness,Degrees,Structural holes) on firms innovation performance.(6)Making brief analysis to the dynamic of CINThe combining between theory studying and case analysis is very necessary. Based on the productions of theory studying, the paper makes a case study to the Xindu Furniture Cluster. The case studying will be an experiment using network analysis methods to analyze a real industry cluster. In the case studying, the soft of Ucinet is used and the paper makes many useful conclusions.