5 REB 2009 vol.1 (27), no 1 Abstract Tis paper explores how structural properties of small frms’ networks emerge from the ways frms exchange knowledge. In particular we are interested in analysing if and under which conditions the need for knowledge exchange within a set of co-located small frms is able to generate a more or less stable structure of links among frms. We focus on a specifc kind of small frms’ networks called Industrial Districts (IDs). One of the peculiar characteristics of IDs is fexible specialization: small frms specialize in given phases of the production processes and join up production chains in a fexible and dynamic way depending on market opportunities. Consequently, knowledge exchange is mainly related to the matching of complementary know- how and competencies. To explore the relationship between the exchange of complementary knowledge assets and network structure we developed a computational model of an ID. Te results obtained through computer simulations of the model show that the exchange of complementary knowledge assets is able to generate stable networks and that, even with diferent conditions, such networks evolve toward a hub and spoke confguration with a few frms becoming key actors in the network. JEL classification codes: L14, M15 Keywords: small firms’ networks, knowledge exchange, computational agent-based model Learning and Structural Properties in Small Firms’ Networks: A Computational Agent-Based Model Luca Iandoli Dept. of Business and Managerial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy fax: +390817682154, phone: +390817682935, e-mail: iandoli@unina.it Elio Marchione Dept. of Business and Managerial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy Phone: +390817682935, fax: +390817682154, e-mail: eliomarchione@katamail.com Cristina Ponsiglione Dept. of Business and Managerial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy Phone: +390817682956, fax: +390817682154, e-mail: ponsigli@unina.it Giuseppe Zollo Dept. of Business and Managerial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy Phone: +390817682483, fax: +390817682154, e-mail: giuzollo@unina.it RESERACH IN ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS: CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE