Modelling enterprise networks: A master equation approach

We are interested in the problem of the mathematical modelling and simulation of groups of small enterprises. This is where a network of small enterprises is established in order to achieve a global objective. Each enterprise contributes to the network but keeps its own individual identity. Apart from having to model economic factors, we have to consider social phenomena and human factors which have an important influence on the dynamical evolution of the network. This paper is devoted to an approach for modelling the dynamical evolution of the social phenomena, based on a master equation approach and introducing non-linear effects. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.