Platform based Innovation Ecosystems: Value Network Configuration Perspective

A platform-based innovation ecosystem links multiple markets and their corresponding stakeholders for joint value creation around a platform, it is critical the platform sponsor to manage configuration efficiently maximized survival. Through multi-case study, we propose configurational framework ecosystems analyze multi-stakeholder business structures, boundary decisions relationships. We define context as for-profit networks that leverage digital create multi-sided market circumstances engage partners well customers in creation. Empirically study five small mid-sized information communication technology platforms ecosystems. The discoveries elaborate on four characteristic configurations activities involved management, show differences between open, semi-open, closed value-network ecosystem, upstream producer, downstream consumer, partner driven scenarios. Contradicting existing literature, argue complementarities are created by two different producer actors consumption influenced actors. also an internal production can be considered case of extensive use external knowledge resource sources. results extend understanding multi-layered configuration, what roles functions structure.