Formation of social networks and diffusion of innovations

Some innovations need delay to diffuse, others often fail. The formation of social networks is a possible explanation. Considering a population of potential adopters of a technology, we set-up a model composed of interacting agents. Interaction is conceived as influence effects and the network of interpersonal influences is learning step-by-step. The gradual formation of the social network leads, after a period of latency, to a collective evaluation of the innovation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.