Digital Ecosystems as an Organizational Model: Analysis and Proposal of a Lifecycle Digital Ecosystem Model

Abstract

AbstractA group of technology businesses which cooperate rather than compete for mutual advantage is known as a digital ecosystem, a variation of a business ecosystem. The businesses within the ecosystem rely on a standardized platform of technologies to sustain the ecosystem. While much has been written about the digital ecosystem as an enduring and productive engine of innovation, research in this area has regarded the lifecycle process which involves the creation, sustainability, and gradual dissolution of the digital ecosystem as a nebulous activity with scarce mention in existing literature. As a result, there is little understanding of the source of the process which creates the innovations which sustain the digital ecosystem, the delineation of the types of innovations, or the lifecycle of the digital ecosystem itself. Notably, no formal model of a digital ecosystem lifecycle has been proposed.A better understanding of the digital ecosystem lifecycle, a clear delineation of the sources and types of technology innovations, and a lifecycle process model would provide the basis for further research in this area and would inform the process of developing and sustaining digital ecosystems. An agreed upon lifecycle frame work model would represent the foundation for this research.This paper uses a case study approach to examine the history of several digital ecosystems in relation to the technology innovations which preceded and occurred within the ecosystems. The synthesis and analysis of the historical data contained in the cases studies is organized into a framework for further research - the digital ecosystem lifecycle. Additionally, the activities taking place in these lifecycle phases are identified and terminology is clarified, providing additional clarification and structure to guide further research in this area.KeywordsOrganizational modelsDigital ecosystemsTechnology innovation