International Specialization Dynamics

4Economic Dominance Theory and Structural Indicators on Egocentric Networks

4.1. Introduction

This chapter reviews a set of indicators that exploit the properties of egocentric networks within the framework of economic dominance theory (EDT). These indicators inform us on a set of primary characteristics of the members (“nodes”) of an exchange structure represented as a graph of influence: their degree of integration, exclusion, insertion and sectorization. We began to examine the properties of egocentric networks within the framework of the EDT in [LEB 13a, LEB 15]. We systematically continue this approach here.

Approaching the node of an exchange structure by its egocentric network involves qualifying it by the direct contacts it maintains in this structure, in transmission and/or reception, and by the relationships that these contacts have with each other. This thus includes qualifying this node by the properties of a part of the overall structure of relations. This part does not include the node under study and those with which it has no direct relation.

The substructure that is the basis for the identification of a node’s properties can be drawn in several ways: from flows entering and leaving the node or from a union or an intersection of these flows. It is easily understood that when the egocentric network is constructed through flows entering or leaving the core node (union), this network is more extensive and strictly integrates the substructure consisting of nodes ...