Bridging the Two Sciences: Tapping into the Confluence of Network Science and Design Science Research

Network Science is getting growing attention across a diverse range of disciplines. In this study, we investigate the role of design science research (DSR) in developing and applying network science theories and artifacts. We are especially motivated by the ability of DSR to advance theory and practice in designing systems and the potential of network science to address various real-world problems. By surveying information systems literature at the confluence of network science and DSR, we observed a focus on enhancing the design outcome of network science approaches mainly through deductive approaches (as compared to inductive approaches). Only a few papers in our sample provide insights into how DSR can support network science from problem understanding through artifact building to evaluation. Our work provides an area of inquiry for blending the two forces of DSR with network science to address important problems.