Presents corrections to affiliation information in the above named paper.

Social media networks are dynamic. As such, the order in which network ties develop is an important aspect of the network dynamics.This study proposes a novel dynamic network model, the Nodal Attribute-based Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model (NATERGM) for dynamic network analysis. The proposed model focuses on how the nodal attributes of a network affect the order in which the network ties develop. Empirical results showed that the NATERGM demonstrated an enhanced pattern testing capability compared to benchmark models. The proposed NATERGM model helps explain the roles of nodal attributes in the formation process of dynamic networks.

Social media networks are dynamic. As such, the order in which network ties develop is an important aspect of the network dynamics. This study proposes a novel dynamic network model, the Nodal Attribute-based Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model (NATERGM) for dynamic network analysis. The proposed model focuses on how the nodal attributes of a network affect the order in which the network ties develop. Temporal patterns in social media networks are modeled based on the nodal attributes of individuals and the time information of network ties. Using social media data collected from a knowledge sharing community, empirical tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the NATERGM on identifying the temporal patterns and predicting the characteristics of the future networks. Results showed that the NATERGM demonstrated an enhanced pattern testing capability and an increased prediction accuracy of network characteristics compared to benchmark models. The proposed NATERGM model helps explain the roles of nodal attributes in the formation process of dynamic networks.

Understanding the knowledge‐diffusion networks of patent inventors can help governments and businesses effectively use their investment to stimulate commercial science and technology development. Such inventor networks are usually large and complex. This study proposes a multidimensional network analysis framework that utilizes Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) to simultaneously model knowledge‐sharing and knowledge‐transfer processes, examine their interactions, and evaluate the impacts of network structures and public funding on knowledge‐diffusion networks. Experiments are conducted on a longitudinal data set that covers 2 decades (1991–2010) of nanotechnology‐related US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patents. The results show that knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer are closely interrelated. High degree centrality or boundary inventors play significant roles in the network, and National Science Foundation (NSF) public funding positively affects knowledge sharing despite its small fraction in overall funding and upstream research topics.