Mutual perturbations in coupled exploration: Diverse impacts of feedback frequency and feedback timing

Abstract

In the process of coupled exploration, when feedback from other teams comes in the form of disapproval, comments, and suggestions, teams may need to modify the existing technical routes or even abandon previous choices, which can perturb their ongoing exploration activities. We employ a multi-agent computational model to analyze the aforementioned processes. We have found that frequent perturbations among the R&D teams responsible for various subsystems can significantly impact the performance of coupled exploration, which is highly dependent on the speed at which teams search for better options and reach consensus. During the initial phase of coupling exploration, frequent perturbations permanently alter the trajectory of the exploration process. The reciprocal perturbation during the intermediate stage enhances the capacity for coupled exploration in subsequent stages, contingent upon the actor’s adeptness in swiftly discerning and selecting optimal strategies. When the team’s ability to identify the correct solution is weak, frequent early perturbations can result in increased divergence in feedback among teams. The presence of conflicting advice from other teams exacerbates the challenges faced by actors in making informed judgments based on feedback.