Network Science Research
Try searching for a topic related to network leadership, social connectedness, or network science, or pick a category below to start exploring!
We’ve done a lot of research and written many papers over our decades of time studying networks. Topics range from network governance and communication to network trust and strategies. Here are all our peer-reviewed articles and other scientific papers free to read and use for non-commercial purposes. Check back for new research – we regularly publish new findings and papers.
Community Carrying Capacity to Address Health System Referrals: A Networked Approach
Visible Network Labs is constantly conducting new research into networks, including social connectedness, inter-organizational collaboration, cross-sector partnership, and community and public health. This new paper was introduced at the 2020 Journal of Health & Human Services Administration Symposium. As evidence emerges that health outcomes are
Health System Patient Referrals for Unmet Social Needs: Exploring the Capacity of Community-Based Organizations to Absorb Them
We conducted this research to better understand the capacity of community organizations to abosrb health system patient referrals for unmet social needs. This study examines the perspectives, resources, role and services provided by community-based organisations (CBOs) in response to the integration of health and social
Using Social Network Analysis to Understand the Perceived Role and Influence of Foundations
In this research study (“Using Social Network Analysis to Understand the Perceived Role and Influence of Foundations”) we used social network analysis and the PARTNER Platform to better understand how foundations are perceived by their partners and grantees. Collaboration between foundations and other organizations is
Partnerships for Recovery Across The Sectors (PRACTIS) Toolkit
This toolkit demonstrates how to use the PARTNER platform for coordinating and assessing recovery networks. Based on a partnership between VNL, RAND, and the NY State Health Department, the use case is focused on response networks after Hurricane Sandy. The RAND Corporation, in partnership with
Evaluating Networks Using PARTNER: A Social Network Evaluation Tool
Today, cross-sector partners are working together and utilizing a systems approach to solve and tackle complex social problems facing their communities. While building cross-sector organizational networks has become a best practice in solving complex problems, there is little guidance or evidence on how it can
Structural Holes and Networks
The theory of structural holes and networks suggests that intentional leaving gaps between members of a network provides certain key advantages. Tightly interconnected networks are full of redundant information – you don’t necessarily need to actively work with everything in a coalition to fully leverage
The Strength of Weak Ties
The Strength of Weak Ties was one of the most important network science theories in existence. In 1973, Mark Granovetter wrote his landmark paper studying how people get jobs through their personal networks. Contrary to expectations, Mark found that people typically get new jobs through
Implications of Network Structure on Public Health Collaboratives
Interorganizational collaboration is an essential function of public health agencies. These partnerships form social networks that involve diverse types of partners and varying levels of interaction. Such collaborations are widely accepted and encouraged, yet very little comparative research exists on how public health partnerships develop
Public Health, Mental Health & Primary Care Differences in Urban and Rural Counties in a System of Care for Children with Special Healthcare Needs
Background: Collaboration among partners in a health system of care (SOC) has many benefits. In large and complex systems, the role of public health, mental health, and primary care play critical roles in the provision of care. How these systems vary across urban and rural
Hospital Interaction and Investment in Public Health Systems: A Conceptual Study
Background: Health care reform has resulted in changes throughout the health system, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and IRS requirements that nonprofit hospitals conduct community health needs assessments and develop implementation plans to guide greater investment in their respective communities. This has led to
How to Identify Success Among Networks that Promote Active Living
Objectives. We evaluated organization- and network-level factors that influence organizations’ perceived success. This is important for managing interorganizational networks, which can mobilize communities to address complex health issues such as physical activity, and for achieving change. Methods. In 2011, we used structured interview and network
Contributions of Health Care Coalitions to Preparedness and Resilience: Perspectives From Hospital Preparedness Program and Health Care Preparedness Coalitions
Objective: The purpose of this article was to describe how the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and other health care coalitions conceptualize and measure progress or success and to identify strategies to improve coalition success and address known barriers to success. Methods: We conducted a structured
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Use the search and filter options on the right to conduct a more personalized search, or visit our Network Science Resource Library for complete access to all of our webinars, infographics, articles and research all in one place.
You can also visit our PARTNER Research & Evaluation Example Page to see a few dozen examples of third party studies and evaluations conducted using our tools and software. Network analysis provides a powerful lens for improving collaboration and networking.
We follow a number of peer-reviewed journals to inform and advance our work. Here’s a list of some of the sources we recommend related to network science, public health, collaboration and social impact.
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Colorado’s Early Childhood Councils play an important role in improving health, education and other social outcomes for kids. They do this by connecting and coordinating work between stakeholders in the early childhood ecosystem. This includes nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providers, educators, and other community organizations.
