Networks in Complex Systems: Modeling, Analysis, and Control

Dear Colleagues,

Complex systems are characterized by large-scale interactions, nonlinear dynamics, heterogeneous components, and emergent collective behavior. Networks provide a unifying mathematical framework for modeling such systems across diverse scientific and engineering domains. This Special Issue aims to compile high-quality contributions that advance the theory, methodology, and applications of networks in complex systems.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that explore the modeling, analysis, computation, and control of networked complex systems. Submissions may focus on theoretical developments, data-driven approaches, or real-world applications. Contributions that bridge multiple disciplines or integrate classical methods with machine learning or artificial intelligence are particularly encouraged.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Network modeling and representation of complex systems (biological, social, technological, ecological, neural, and engineered networks).
• Network dynamics, including synchronization, diffusion, cascade processes, spreading dynamics, and collective behavior.
• The controllability and observability of complex networks, structural controllability, control energy optimization, and actuator/sensor placement.
• Network control and optimization, including feedback mechanisms, distributed control, robust control, and multi-agent coordination,
• Data-driven and machine learning methods for networked systems, including graph neural networks, network inference, and hybrid modeling,
• The dynamics and control of multi-agent systems, swarm systems, cyber–physical networks, and autonomous systems.
• Complex system behavior analysis, resilience, stability, tipping points, and emergent phenomena.
• Applications in robotics, energy systems, transportation, neuroscience, epidemiology, finance, and social systems.

This Special Issue seeks to provide an interdisciplinary forum for researchers working at the intersection of network science, dynamical systems, and control theory. By promoting the integration of theoretical tools and real-world applications, we aim to stimulate new insights and foster collaboration across different fields.

Dr. Jian Liu
Dr. Ye Yuan
Prof. Dr. Qingdu Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Mathematics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• complex networks
• network modeling and analysis
• synchronization and network dynamics
• graph neural networks
• network control theory