MMCOMNET

MMCOMNET
Measuring and Modelling Complex Networks across Domains

The MMCOMNET project has set out to measure and model complex networks from different domains, with the goal of understanding their structure, function and behaviour. The multidisciplinary consortium forms part of the NEST PATHFINDER initiative on ‘Tackling complexity in science’. This aims to encourage the study of complex systems and the transfer of knowledge between different disciplines.

Complex Networks

Fungal growth, supermarket supply chains and the clustering of companies may sound like disparate areas of study. However, an understanding of each can be obtained by analysing them as networks. Biological networks share common features with other complex networks, in terms of their overall structure and dynamics. Once the general principles governing different kinds of complex networks are understood, steps can be taken to improve real-world networks.

Recent advances in the science of complexity facilitate the measurement of networks. Certain classes of complex networks seem to share common structural characteristics and, more importantly, may also exhibit analogous functional properties. The quantification and modelling of networks enable general rules to be formulated concerning their dynamic and functional behaviour. The MMCOMNET project uses a multidisciplinary approach to measure and model biological, socio-economic and business datasets, with the aim of predicting, managing and designing behaviour in a wide range of real-world networks.

Measuring Networks

Networks can be studied using macroscopic or top-down approaches, or using bottom-up approaches utilising recent findings from the science of complexity. The MMCOMNET project seeks to integrate these approaches, in order to develop statistical techniques and software tools to analyse complex networks. Methods for measuring local (individual nodes) and global behaviour are also being assessed using existing datasets.

Data from three domains, representing biological, socio-economic and innovation networks, are being measured. The specific examples were chosen for ease of data collection, and their promise as generic models. The biological system is a fungal network: one of the simplest living systems to show adaptive behaviour. The main socio-economic system is a supply-chain network, involving the flow of information, money and goods from manufacturing, distribution and retail organisations across Europe. Datasets on public transport in Poland and traffic networks in Germany are also being analysed. The innovation system involves datasets showing the clustering of high-tech businesses, as occurs in California’s Silicon Valley. In particular, a comprehensive dataset of the population and businesses in Stockholm over a 10-year period is being used.

Bottom-up Analysis

The three types of system consist of multiple interconnected layers, comprising autonomous agents which allocate resources within the network. Agents distribute resources on the basis of incomplete or noisy information. They typically act without a central control mechanism. The characteristic behaviour of networks emerges through the interactions of agents. Agents may be cells, people or companies in the case of biological, socio-economic and business networks, respectively.

The project exploits advances in complexity science to elucidate the individual and collective behaviour of agents. The participants are developing models which simulate the different combinations of agents and network dynamics that can account for desirable behaviour. Criteria for choosing between alternative combinations provide insights into how agents and networks adapt, and the trade-offs that occur between different network functions. In the case of the supply-chain model, for example, the conditions that enable networks to retain their integrity in the face of local disruptions are being investigated.

Manipulating Networks

Model networks can be used to identify ways of altering the structure or behaviour of real-world networks to enhance desirable properties, such as robustness, persistence, flexibility, responsiveness and efficiency. Adjustments in the local decision-making behaviour of agents, for example, may be effective in achieving desirable global stability.
The overall aim of the project is to generate modelling approaches and formulate universal principles to aid in the management of complex networks in real-world situations. The desirable properties observed in model networks can potentially be transferred to networks involving computers, information, business and enterprise, power grids, and railway or other transport systems. The potential long-term benefits from this project are therefore great, and could improve the quality of life of almost everybody in the EU.

Summary Information

The information on this page can be downloaded as a pdf file here and the EC presentation can be downloaded (in pdf format) here.

Coordinator
• University of Oxford

Partners
• Germany: Technische Universität Dresden
• Poland: Politechnika Warsawska
• France: INSEAD Business School
• Switzerland: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
• Sweden: Stockholm University

Project Description
Annex I - "Description of Work" (PDF)

Further information
Dr Felix Reed-Tsochas
Said Business School
University of Oxford
Oxford OX1 1HP – UK
Fax: +44 1865 288805
E-mail: felix.reed-tsochas@sbs.ox.ac.uk

Duration
36 Months

Project Cost
€1 712 352

EU Funding
€1 499 226

Project reference
Contract No 12999 (NEST)

Web: http://cordis.europa.eu/nest/home.html

Sixth Framework Programme

The Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to the information presented in this document.