Title: The effects of globalisation on a network's nodes of different structural characteristics: a heterogeneous agent simulation

Authors: Massimo Salzano

Addresses: University of Salerno, Italy

Abstract: A network, as a set of interconnected nodes, is inextricably intertwined with globalisation. While most pro-globalisation advocates generally examine the impact of external or openness factors and analyse the effect on the agents or firms that participate directly in the process. Anti-globalisation advocates focus on the economic sectors that have lost out in the process of globalisation and rejected from the process: the marginal elements. The two approaches are both partial in many respects. To overcome these limits, we present an agent simulation model in which each node has a |personal| efficiency degree that depends not only on the number of connections it has, but also on its intrinsic qualities. To increase its image, a hub must increase its efficiency and discard the non-useful connections. This increases the possibility of being chosen for a connection. We will show how the effects of globalisation on both the marginal and integrated elements can be explained mainly on the basis of their efficiency and adaptability characteristics.

Keywords: globalisation; agent-based simulation; economic networks; network nodes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCIS.2009.022847

International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, 2009 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.24 - 37

Published online: 30 Jan 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article