The Evolution of Complex Global Innovation Collaboration Network: A Multilevel Analysis of a CoPS Industry 2001–2020

Global innovation collaboration networks (GICNs) constitute a fundamental component of the innovation ecosystem and significantly contribute to the advancement of complex products and systems (CoPS) in the domain of engineering management. Despite their significance, existing research has not adequately captured the intricate dynamics of GICNs, particularly from an evolutionary perspective. This study seeks to fill this gap by employing a holistic approach to analyze the complexity and evolutionary characteristics of a representative CoPS industry, across macronetwork, meso-module, and micromotif levels. Utilizing global patent data from 2001 to 2020 pertaining to chip manufacturing, our analysis identifies distinct collaborative patterns across the macro, meso, and micro levels within GICNs. At the macro level, there is a discernible shift towards a distributed structure, epitomized by a “big center, multicenters, decentralization” trend. The meso level exhibits a progression towards a “loosely coupled” configuration of technical submodules, reflecting a specialized division of labor. Notably, the micro level demonstrates a significant centralization in collaborative innovation, with enterprises playing a pivotal role. This investigation provides an exhaustive empirical examination of GICNs within the CoPS industry and offers novel insights into the evolution of such networks. Furthermore, it furnishes actionable recommendations for policymakers and engineering managers seeking to navigate the complexities of CoPS innovation, thus providing a strategic roadmap for collaboration and innovation management.