In knowledge networks that are formed on the basis of social networks for generating and sharing knowledge, there are two types of components in the system that exhibit autocatalysis, the knowledge per se and the people.

—Monge & Contractor p95

Human cognizance plays a key role in the creation of new knowledge. Through complicated cognitive process, new knowledge can be generated by the accumulation of new information and integration with preexisting knowledge. The social network is self-generative in that the charisma or reputation of a person can by itself serve as a strong magnet to attract more participation to the network.