Coévolution et adaptabilité des réseaux. Etudes de cas et simulation

What is the role of co-evolution in a population of firms’adaptation to a hostile environment? To answer this question, the network sociology is revisited starting from the Kauffman’s biological computer model. A qualitative methodology is used, updating the mechanisms of exploitation and exploration in nine Japanese corporate networks. From these results, this article draws up a typology of the adaptation forms, distinguishing “pack”, “migrating”, “herd” and “colony” networks.