Policy in the knowledge economy social network : a social capital redux

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest how enabling policy should be focused in a knowledge economy by developing the concept of a knowledge economy social network (KESN).<br /><br />Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs an interdisciplinary approach in developing the KESN by drawing on concepts and methodology from economics, political science and social network theory.<br /><br />Findings – The KESN's social capital is defined. As such, maintaining accountability, increasing cohesion and connections among knowledge actors are suggested as relevant guidelines for policy in the KESN.<br /><br />Research limitations/implications – The knowledge economy should ideally be seen as having unique needs compared to the traditional economy in devising policy.<br /><br />Practical implications – The paper suggests using the KESN as a basis for devising policy for a knowledge economy.<br /><br />Originality/value – The paper uses an interdisciplinary approach to studying the knowledge economy and introduces the KESN. <br />