Designed networks and the emergence of self‐organizing interlocal learning network: Evidence from Chinese cities

Abstract Self‐organizing networks and designed networks are important subjects of network research, but the extant literature explores them in isolation, with limited attention paid to their relationship. And many studies on self‐organizing and designed networks are based on Western contexts. This article expands the network literature through analyzing the influence of designed networks on the formation of self‐organizing interlocal learning network in the context of China. Based on the interlocal learning network of 21 cities in Guangdong province from 2015 to 2018, we find that the connections embedded in the designed networks; including counterpart‐assistance network and leadership transfer network, significantly facilitate the emergence of self‐organizing networks. The findings contribute to the literature by corroborating the nuanced influences of designed networks on self‐organizing network formation.