The Ecosystem Concept in Strategic Management Research: An Integrated Dynamic Process Model

Han Jin; Wang Yanmin; Tu Yanhong

doi:10.6049/kjjbydc.2019040663

Science & Technology Progress and Policy >

2020 , Vol. 37 >Issue 1: 1 - 9

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6049/kjjbydc.2019040663

Innovation in Science and Technology Management

The Ecosystem Concept in Strategic Management Research: An Integrated Dynamic Process Model

Han Jin ,
Wang Yanmin ,
Tu Yanhong

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（1.University of Twente,Enschede 7522，The Netherlands;2.College of Global Change and Earth System Science,Beijing Normal University,Beijing 100875,China;3.College of Business,Hunan University of Technology,Zhuzhou 412007,China）

Received date: 2019-08-17

Online published: 2020-01-19

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Abstract

However,different definitions and inconsistent features in prior literature cause a debate on conceptual boundaries between two seminal concepts: business ecosystem and innovation ecosystem.Some scholars argue both are different.The former concept focuses on value co-capture,while the latter relates more to value co-creation.While a set of other researchers take two seminal concepts as the same and apply both interchangeably.To this end,a critical review might be proper to moderate foregoing conceptual debate.Based on qualitative content analysis,first,our findings support that business ecosystem differentiates innovation ecosystem.In a static view,the business and innovation ecosystem relates to value co-capture and co-creation respectively.Second,from a dynamic process perspective,such two seminal concepts have complementary relationships.We find very recent scholars define ecosystems without business or innovation prefix,and especially place an emphasis on ecosystem evolutionary and value process features.Based on these observations,we construct a conceptual model by integrating ecosystem's value process and evolutionary dynamisms.Therefore,we conclude that ecosystem should be conceptualized as an inter-organizational community,which focuses on value process from value propositions,value co-creation,value sharing,value distribution,and to final value capture.In addition,such value process shows evolutionary features in different developmental stages.Finally,we in particular point out that future studies can deepen our understanding of evolutionary features of ecosystem concept by adopting a longer historical perspective and by integrating existing knowledge from multi-disciplines.

Key words： Business Ecosystem; Innovation Ecosystem; Value Co-Capture; Value Co-Creation; Strategic Management

Cite this article

Han Jin , Wang Yanmin , Tu Yanhong . The Ecosystem Concept in Strategic Management Research: An Integrated Dynamic Process Model[J]. Science & Technology Progress and Policy, 2020 , 37(1) : 1 -9 . DOI: 10.6049/kjjbydc.2019040663

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