390008 DK PhD-M: Theory of Networks (2023S)

The course provides a discussion of the theoretical foundation of networks (strategic alliances, joint ventures, franchising, licensing, consortia, clusters, cooperative networks, networks in digital economy). It emphasizes the relationships between different theories and networks. The sessions provide an overview of a number of the major theoretical and methodological approaches adopted in network research as it evolved into a specific research field. The course incorporates sessions on essential aspects of network research including transaction cost economics, property rights theory, information economics, resource- and knowledge based theory, real options reasoning, stakeholder theory and the relational view of networks. In particular, the course highlights current research challenges and methodological issues facing the research in economics and management of networks and encourages a discussion among the participants to determine what constitutes an appropriate future research strategy, especially applied to your PhD-project.
The course aims to:
1. Confront students with the theoretical approaches applied to networks;
2. Share insights on contributions made to the field and discuss relevance to students own PhD research project
3. Present a research project