Maximizing the Spread of Cascades Using Network Design

We introduce a new optimization framework to maximize the expected spread of cascades in networks. Our model allows a rich set of actions that directly manipulate cascade dynamics by adding nodes or edges to the network. Our motivating application is one in spatial conservation planning, where a cascade models the dispersal of wild animals through a fragmented landscape. We propose a mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation that combines elements from network design and stochastic optimization. Our approach results in solutions with stochastic optimality guarantees and points to conservation strategies that are fundamentally different from naive approaches.