From a macro perspective, inventor networks tend to generate remarkably stable structures over time. At the same time, we observe highly dynamic processes at the micro level, in terms of inventor entries and exits as well as formations and terminations of collaborative relationships between them. In order to explain this—at least at the first glance—contradicting pattern, we investigate processes at the intermediate network level. Our analysis draws upon co-patenting data for the entire population of West German inventors in the field of laser technology research from the onset of the technology in the early 1960s over a period of 45 years. Our findings suggest that the key factor for maintaining structural stability of networks is that directly linked partners of inventors with stabilizing properties—so-called ‘key players’—take over this function in a subsequent period. We show that processes at the intermediate network level provide new insights on the co-existence of micro fluidity and macro stability in complex adaptive systems.

从宏观的角度来看，发明者网络往往会随着时间的流逝产生非常稳定的结构。同时，我们在发明人的进入和退出以及它们之间的协作关系的形成和终止方面，在微观层面观察到了高度动态的过程。为了解释这一矛盾（至少乍一看），我们在中间网络级别研究了过程。我们的分析借鉴了1960年代初期45年来从激光技术研究领域开始的整个西德发明家的专利数据。我们的发现表明，保持网络结构稳定性的关键因素是具有稳定属性的发明人的直接联系伙伴（即所谓的“关键参与者”）在随后的时期内接管了这一职能。我们表明，在中间网络级别的过程为复杂自适应系统中微观流动性和宏观稳定性的共存提供了新的见解。