Välillisyyskeskittävyys

Välillisyyskeskittävyys is a Finnish term that translates to "indirect centrality" or "mediation centrality" in English. It is a concept used in network analysis to describe the importance of a node within a network based on its role as an intermediary or bridge between other nodes. Unlike direct centrality measures that focus on the number of direct connections a node has (like degree centrality), välillisyyskeskisyys quantifies how often a node lies on the shortest path between other pairs of nodes in the network.

A node with high välillisyyskeskisyys acts as a crucial connector, facilitating the flow of information, resources, or influence between different parts of the network. If such a node were removed, it could significantly disrupt communication or the overall structure of the network by creating longer paths or even disconnecting previously connected components. This makes nodes with high indirect centrality particularly influential and important for the network's functioning.

The concept is applied in various fields, including sociology, biology, and computer science, to identify key individuals, organizations, or components in complex systems. Analyzing välillisyyskeskisyys helps researchers understand network dynamics, identify potential bottlenecks, and strategize interventions. It provides a deeper insight into network structure beyond simple connectivity, highlighting the strategic position of certain nodes.