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). 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. 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. Research limitations/implications - The knowledge economy should ideally be seen as having unique needs compared to the traditional economy in devising policy. Practical implications - The paper suggests using the KESN as a basis for devising policy for a knowledge economy. Originality/value - The paper uses an interdisciplinary approach to studying the knowledge economy and introduces the KESN.