Prediction and inference in complex networks: A brief review and perspectives

Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação, Universidade de São Paulo - São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil

Received: 6 May 2025
Accepted: 8 December 2025

Abstract

Inference and prediction are fundamental to the study of complex systems, where network data are often incomplete, inaccurate or obtained indirectly. In this paper, we review recent advances in network sampling and comparison, as well as in link prediction and network reconstruction from time series. We summarise key methodological developments and emerging approaches that integrate statistical and machine learning perspectives. We also outline promising research directions for enhancing the inference and prediction of complex networked systems.