The Creative Development of Fields : Learning, Creativity, Paths, Implications

I present a model of the creative development of a field and analysis of the model based on an extensive set of simulations. The field begins from an initial states and grows as individuals enter the field and make new contributions; its basic structure resembles a lattice. New elements are created via combining preexisting elements, based on specific rules for combinations. Individuals working in the field follow a defined process of creative development, working to maximize the expected value of their contribution to the field. An individual selects an initial set of elements in the field to learn, then gains intuitive signals about potentially fruitful new combinations based on this learning set, selects additional elements to learn, and finally chooses a potential new element to attempt to make. If the element is viable it is added to the field, together with any subbundle elements co-created with it. The simulation analysis reveals a set of key features that characterize the development of fields through this process. There is a rich diversity of possible paths of development; this diversity is generated especially by the intuitive signals individuals receive, which lead them to attempt to make elements they might otherwise not pursue, thus shaping the development of the field in important ways. The results also reveal a high degree of path dependence, generated as individuals build on the work of their predecessors, and interesting temporal patterns for how output in one period is linked with what occurred in the previous period