The role of technology during the ecosystem lifecycle

Abstract

While technology is considered a dynamic part of the emergence of any organization, most studies portray technology trajectories independently from the lifecycle of innovation ecosystems. However, technological progress is not materialized in a vacuum but rather shaped by the choices and efforts of the heterogeneous participants that compose the ecosystem. In this paper, we seek to close the gap among technology progress, ecosystem lifecycle, and roles of ecosystem actors. We employ a multi-case study approach in the field of highly-advanced technology. The results of our qualitative research point towards the following insights: As an innovation ecosystem develops over time, its core technology progresses and also ecosystem actors are found to mature through their responses to new technology: from defending, to adjusting, to re-orienting. We contribute to the discussion of innovation ecosystem lifecycles not only from a research but also from a managerial practice perspective: Ecosystem managers gain valuable insights on the value-creation mechanisms depending on the different roles of technology and ecosystem actors. In addition, depending on the role assumed in an innovation ecosystem, actors will be better skilled to develop ecosystem governance with respect to technology transitions.