Returns from Social Capital in Open Source Software Networks

This paper analyzes the structural dimension of social capital, and its impact on the success of open source software projects. By examining ties existing between open source projects through their core members altogether with other contributors, we identify the communication paths and flows of knowledge they maintain and procure within a network, and assess their effect on projects’ performance. We found evidence on how the asymmetric distribution of interrelations as foundation of social capital, contributes to open source software projects’ competitive advantages