Structural Hole Classification Theory And Its Application In CoPS Innovation Network

Because of the requirements of technology depth and width, CoPS system integrators must resort to outer stakeholders to accomplish system innovation, so CoPS innovation actually is done in the innovation network formed by outer stakeholders. Herein, the network structure of outer stakeholders is important to the success of CoPS innovation, and how to construct an effective network structure of outer stakeholders has become a key factor of CoPS innovation.Burt's structural hole theory is a network reconstruction theory, and it focuses on altering relationship orientation and information flow and attain the control of relationship through network reconstruction. The theory has a great significance for the network reconstruction of outer stakeholders in CoPS.Based on Burt's structural hole theory, This paper reviews the development and historical source of the structural hole theory, summarizes the forming reason and characteristics of the structural hole network structure, and through cross-case study analyzes the thought of the structural hole theory in CoPS, puts forward the structural hole classification theory.On this basis, by in-depth single case study on Hangyang air separation plant innovation network, this paper analyzes the self-benefit structural hole and the total-benefit structural hole in it, discusses the effectiveness of the two network structure on Hangyang air separation plant innovation network. The case study validates and improves the structural hole classification theory and provides some experience for the application of the structural hole classification theory on CoPS innovation network.