Socioeconomic development and stability: A complex network blueprint

Abstract

The current work discusses how complex networks can be applied in order to aid economical development and stability at several scales and contexts. The following activities are involved: (a) compilation of several types of data related to socioeconomic development; (b) representation of such data in terms of multilayer interacting complex networks (cond-mat/0406369) registered geographically; (c) application of traditional and new methods for complex networks characterization and analysis. Such an approach allows the identification of bottlenecks and deficits/surpluses, simulation of system development under varying constraints and perturbations, as well as the application of optimization methods in order to help identify the most effective strategies leading to social and economic wealth and stability. In addition to its practical implications, such an approach also emphasizes several issues of substantial theoretical interest, including the integration of networks of different natures, the interplay between the dynamics of topological and node state evolution, the effects of geographical constraints, community finding, as well as optimization issues. The discussed methodology is particularly interesting for applications in developing countries because of the greater potential for economic evolution in such nations. This manuscript also includes a brief review of complex networks approaches to socioeconomics modeling.