Approach Central Partners? Exploring the Association of the Knowledge Network With the Dynamics of the Collaboration Network

Despite considerable attention to network outcomes, there is still a significant lack of exploration into network genesis, not to mention the drivers of partner network dynamics. As networks evolve, some scholars form ties with central figures, while others do not. To answer this question, in this article, we aim to investigate the influence of scholars’ knowledge network characteristics on their collaborations with central figures. Using blockchain-related papers published between 2013 and 2021 from the Web of Science, this study employs an empirical method to examine the relationship between the centrality and structural holes of scholars’ knowledge elements in the knowledge network and the centrality of their coauthors in the collaboration network. The data underwent careful processing, including extensive keyword cleaning and author disambiguation, to ensure the reliability of the collaboration and knowledge networks. Several robustness tests were conducted to solve the endogeneity and confirm the consistency of results across alternative variable measures and models. The results are as follows: First, the knowledge network centrality of scholars’ knowledge elements exhibits an inverted-U-shaped relationship with the collaboration network centrality of their coauthors. Second, the knowledge network structural holes of scholars’ knowledge elements positively correlate with the collaboration network centrality of their coauthors. Third, the substitutability of scholars’ knowledge elements weakens the above-mentioned relationships. In conclusion, achieving an optimal balance of centrality, strategically bridging structural gaps, and preserving the uniqueness of these knowledge elements are critical for scholars aiming to cultivate collaborations with central scholars.