Using combined network-based approaches to analyze risk interactions in R&D alliance

Abstract

Previous researches on risks in R&D alliance have treated risks independently. They mainly focus on risk identification and the impact of risk on the objectives of alliance. However, most risks are not isolated but interdependent in reality. To address this gap, a combined method that integrates fuzzy DEMATEL and social network analysis is presented to assess and analyze risk interactions in R&D alliance. A case study of a real R&D alliance is conducted to identify key risks and their interactions, together with the corresponding mitigation actions. By unveiling risks and their interactions, this method assists professionals to make better decisions regarding risk mitigation, and further helps them to achieve higher performances in R&D alliance risk management.

Keywords:

• Risk management
• R&D alliance
• fuzzy theory
• DEMATEL
• social network analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (71471146, 71871182, 71501158), soft science research project in Shannxi province (2017KRM058), the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities (3102018JCC013), and the URPP Social Networks at University of Zurich.