Searching for Communities in Bipartite Networks

Abstract

Bipartite networks are a useful tool for representing and investigating interaction networks. We consider methods for identifying communities in bipartite networks. Intuitive notions of network community groups are made explicit using Newman's modularity measure. A specialized version of the modularity, adapted to be appropriate for bipartite networks, is presented; a corresponding algorithm is described for identifying community groups through maximizing this measure. The algorithm is applied to networks derived from the EU Framework Programs on Research and Technological Development. Community groups identified are compared using information-theoretic methods.