Controllability of higher-order networks

Abstract

Higher-order networks can comprehensively describe interactions among groups, thus emerging as a novel area of exploration in network science. This paper aims to delve into the controllability of higher-order networks, where the network topology is characterized by higher-order interactions and the nodes are higher-dimensional dynamical systems. The collective effects on the network controllability from the dynamics of higher-order interactions, node dynamics, inner interactions, and external control inputs are extensively explored. By applying matrix theory and control theory, some necessary and/or sufficient conditions are developed to determine the controllability of hypergraph networks and simplicial complex networks. Through simulated examples, it becomes evident that the controllability of higher-order networked system is far more complicated than that of traditional networked systems and the higher-order topological structures facilitate the controllability. Remarkably, the integrated network can achieve controllability even when the corresponding traditional network is uncontrollable by external inputs.