article published yes Yichao Zhang author Jiasheng Wang author Guanghui Wen author Jihong Guan author Shuigeng Zhou author Guanrong Chen author Krishnendu Chatterjee author 2E5DCA20-F248-11E8-B48F-1D18A9856A870000-0002-4561-241X Matjaz Perc author KrCh department Temporal networks are obtained from time-dependent interactions among individuals, whereas the interactions can be emails, phone calls, face-to-face meetings, or work collaboration. In this article, a temporal game framework is established, in which interactions among rational individuals are embedded into two-player games in a time-dependent manner. This allows studying the time-dependent complexity and variability of interactions, and the way they affect prosocial behaviors. Based on this simple mathematical model, it is found that the level of cooperation is promoted when the time of collaboration is equally limited for every individual. This observation is confirmed by a series of systematic human experiments on over 1,400 subjects, forming a foundation for comprehensively describing human temporal interactions in collaboration. The research results reveal an important incentive for human cooperation, leading to a better understanding of a fascinating aspect of human nature in society. IEEE2025 eng 2327-4697 00138538220004010.1109/TNSE.2024.3481434 1214-12 Y. Zhang, J. Wang, G. Wen, J. Guan, S. Zhou, G. Chen, K. Chatterjee, M. Perc, IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering 12 (2025) 4–12. Zhang, Yichao, Jiasheng Wang, Guanghui Wen, Jihong Guan, Shuigeng Zhou, Guanrong Chen, Krishnendu Chatterjee, and Matjaz Perc. “Limitation of Time Promotes Cooperation in Structured Collaboration Systems.” <i>IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering</i>. IEEE, 2025. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSE.2024.3481434">https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSE.2024.3481434</a>. Zhang, Y., Wang, J., Wen, G., Guan, J., Zhou, S., Chen, G., … Perc, M. (2025). Limitation of time promotes cooperation in structured collaboration systems. <i>IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering</i>. IEEE. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSE.2024.3481434">https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSE.2024.3481434</a> Zhang Y, Wang J, Wen G, Guan J, Zhou S, Chen G, Chatterjee K, Perc M. 2025. Limitation of time promotes cooperation in structured collaboration systems. IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering. 12(1), 4–12. Zhang Y, Wang J, Wen G, et al. Limitation of time promotes cooperation in structured collaboration systems. <i>IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering</i>. 2025;12(1):4-12. doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSE.2024.3481434">10.1109/TNSE.2024.3481434</a> Y. Zhang <i>et al.</i>, “Limitation of time promotes cooperation in structured collaboration systems,” <i>IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering</i>, vol. 12, no. 1. IEEE, pp. 4–12, 2025. Zhang, Yichao, et al. “Limitation of Time Promotes Cooperation in Structured Collaboration Systems.” <i>IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering</i>, vol. 12, no. 1, IEEE, 2025, pp. 4–12, doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSE.2024.3481434">10.1109/TNSE.2024.3481434</a>. 185292024-11-10T23:02:00Z2025-02-27T12:35:48Z