Fig. 6
From: Connectivity and complex systems: learning from a multi-disciplinary perspective
Network-centred common toolbox. Diagram showing how a network-centred common toolbox implicitly addresses the four (inextricably linked) key challenges: defining the fundamental unit, separating SC and FC, understanding emergent behaviour and measuring connectivity. A. Groups of nodes form fundamental units at higher levels of organization (denoted by grey dashed lines); B. Topological representation of system structure (spatially embedded depending in the system in question); C. Identifying parts of the network that are dynamic (functionally connected); D. Adaptive network where the evolution of topology depends on the dynamics of nodes (source: Gross and Blasius; 2008). Network adaptation at multiple (cross scale) levels of organization shapes emergent behaviour; E. FC may have an emergent aspect (self-organised, collective patterns on the structural network) that is independent of network adaptation; F. The fundamental unit should dictate the measurement approach; G. Measurements of SC and FC should be used to parameterise and test network-based representations; H. How we measure connectivity determines our ability to detect how connectivity leads to emergent behaviour