# α-ICON

> algorithm to explore corporate networks

**Wikidata**: [Q108740141](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108740141)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/icon-q108740141

## Summary
α-ICON is an algorithm designed to explore corporate networks, specifically to trace indirect corporate ownership structures. Developed by researchers at Skoltech, it helps uncover ultimate owners of companies by analyzing layered ownership relationships. The tool was first described in a 2021 publication and is available as open-source software.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Algorithm and software tool for corporate network analysis
- **Creators**: Kirill Polovnikov, Nikita Pospelov, and Dmitriy Skougarevskiy (2021)
- **License**: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
- **Main Subject**: Corporate ownership and network exploration
- **First Described**: September 29, 2021, in a Skoltech publication
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub (repository created September 16, 2021)
- **Aliases**: α-Indirect Control in Onion-like Networks, Alpha ICON, alphaicon
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted under the specified license

## FAQs
### Q: What problem does α-ICON solve?
A: α-ICON helps identify hidden or indirect corporate ownership structures, revealing ultimate owners in complex corporate networks where direct ownership is obscured by layers of intermediaries.

### Q: Is α-ICON open-source?
A: Yes, the source code is available on GitHub under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

### Q: Who developed α-ICON?
A: The tool was created by researchers Kirill Polovnikov, Nikita Pospelov, and Dmitriy Skougarevskiy at Skoltech.

### Q: How does α-ICON work?
A: The algorithm analyzes corporate networks to trace indirect ownership paths, similar to peeling layers of an onion, hence the name "onion-like networks."

### Q: Where can I find more information about α-ICON?
A: The tool was first described in a 2021 publication on the Skoltech website, and its source code is available on GitHub.

## Why It Matters
α-ICON addresses a critical gap in corporate transparency by providing a method to uncover hidden ownership structures. In an era of complex corporate networks, where ownership can be obscured by multiple layers of intermediaries, α-ICON offers a tool for researchers, journalists, and regulators to trace ultimate control. By revealing indirect ownership, it enhances accountability and can be used to investigate financial crimes, tax evasion, or other illicit activities. The tool’s open-source nature also promotes broader adoption and collaboration in corporate network analysis. Its development highlights the growing need for tools that can navigate the opaque nature of modern corporate structures, ensuring greater transparency and fairness in economic systems.

## Notable For
- **First Described**: One of the first tools specifically designed to trace indirect corporate ownership in layered networks.
- **Open-Source**: Available under a permissive license, encouraging adoption and modification.
- **Methodology**: Uses an "onion-like" approach to systematically peel back layers of ownership.
- **Transparency Tool**: Helps uncover hidden corporate control structures, aiding investigations and regulatory oversight.
- **Research Collaboration**: Developed by a team of researchers at Skoltech, contributing to academic and practical corporate network analysis.

## Body
### Overview
α-ICON is an algorithm and software tool designed to explore corporate networks, with a focus on tracing indirect ownership structures. The tool was developed by researchers at Skoltech and first described in a 2021 publication. It operates by analyzing layered corporate relationships, akin to peeling an onion, to reveal ultimate owners.

### Development and Release
- **Developers**: Kirill Polovnikov, Nikita Pospelov, and Dmitriy Skougarevskiy.
- **First Publication**: September 29, 2021, on the Skoltech website.
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub since September 16, 2021, under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

### Functionality
- **Purpose**: To identify hidden or indirect corporate ownership by mapping complex ownership networks.
- **Method**: Uses an "onion-like" approach to systematically trace ownership layers.
- **Output**: Reveals ultimate owners in corporate structures where direct ownership is obscured.

### Significance
- **Transparency**: Enhances corporate transparency by uncovering hidden ownership structures.
- **Regulatory Use**: Can be used by regulators, journalists, and researchers to investigate financial activities.
- **Open-Source**: Promotes broader adoption and collaboration in corporate network analysis.

### Availability
- **Source Code**: Accessible on GitHub at [https://github.com/eusporg/alphaicon](https://github.com/eusporg/alphaicon).
- **Documentation**: Described in the original Skoltech publication at [https://www.skoltech.ru/en/2021/09/new-tool-reveals-ultimate-owners-of-companies/](https://www.skoltech.ru/en/2021/09/new-tool-reveals-ultimate-owners-of-companies/).

## References

1. [Source](https://www.skoltech.ru/en/2021/09/new-tool-reveals-ultimate-owners-of-companies/)
2. [Source](https://github.com/eusporg/alphaicon/blob/main/AUTHORS)
3. [Source](https://github.com/eusporg/alphaicon/blob/main/LICENSE)