The Emerging Art of Ecosystem Management

• Published in: BCG Insights
• Main Authors: Lang, Nikolaus, Konrad von Szczepanski, Wurzer, Charline
• Format: Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Boston Consulting Group Boston, MA 16.01.2019
• Subjects: Collaboration; Internet of Things

Through unorthodox juxtapositions of light, color, video, sound, and nature, artists such as Bill Fontana and the artist couple Christo and Jeanne-Claude create immersive experiences that require the input of a complex and highly adaptable network of collaborators—including the spectators themselves, each of whom comes away with a highly personalized experience. In this article we’ll explore a number of key strategic questions, including: * How collaboration within an ecosystem is different from traditional collaboration * What types of ecosystems are available and which are best suited for incumbents * How incumbents can gain a competitive advantage through the strategic use of digital ecosystems The New Collaboration Model Just as contemporary art installations are completely unlike traditional paintings, the members of today’s digital ecosystems collaborate in ways that are fundamentally different from collaborations of the past. Michael E. Porter and James E. Heppelmann, “How Smart, Connected Products Are Transforming Companies,” Harvard Business Review, October 2015. the goal of achieving innovation leadership and speed to market;2 Notes: 2 Ron Adner and Rahul Kapoor, “ Value Creation in Innovation Ecosystems: How the Structure of Technological Interdependence Affects Firm Performance in New Technology Generations,” March 2009; Erkko Autio and Llewellyn D.W. Thomas, “Innovation Ecosystems: Implications for Innovation Management,” in Mark Dodgson, David M. Gann, and Nelson Phillips, eds.,