Building ‘Bonds’ and ‘Bridges’: Linking Tie Evolution and Network Identity in the Creative Industries

This paper presents a discussion of network identity in relation to the processes of network transformation in the creative industries. Employing the case of semi-permanent work patterns prevalent in creative projects, the paper suggests that repeated collaborations across projects result in volatile cultural and structural relations among network members. Transformations in patterns of relating are linked with shifts in network identity and members’ perceived creative potential. Future work could empirically test whether an optimal mix or a pattern of affective bonding and anti-conformist bridging could be linked to creative potential in semi-permanent work teams.