Latent space generative model for bipartite networks

Abstract

Generative network models are extremely useful for understanding the mechanisms that operate in network formation and are widely used across several areas of knowledge. However, when it comes to bipartite networks -- a class of network frequently encountered in social systems -- generative models are practically non-existent. Here, we propose a latent space generative model for bipartite networks growing in a hyperbolic plan. It is an extension of a model previously proposed for one-mode networks, based on a maximum entropy approach. We show that, by reproducing bipartite structural properties, such as degree distributions and small cycles, bipartite networks can be better modelled and one-mode projected network properties can be naturally assessed.