Innovation by Network Operation? Conception of a Theoretical Framework to Analyze Academic Innovation Networks

Using network designs within the area of education is getting more and more important. The idea of building networks in educational practice is very common. However, the scientific discussion as well as the theoretical construction in educational sciences is way behind the interdisciplinary dispute on network research. The following article will take this as a trigger to catch sight of national and international discussions of network analysis. A framework model which was developed to explain and analyse functions of innovative networking processes is presented. This model refers to relevant elements of theories presented before; network research and theories are linked and discussed.