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| The Ecosystem Theory in Management Research: Theoretical Framework and Future Directions |
| HAN Jin，LI Peter Ping，ZHOU Haibo |
| 1. Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China；2. Nottingham University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China; 3. Copenhagen Business School, Copenhagen, Denmark |
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Abstract Current literature lacks a unified definition of ecosystem and a consensus on core mechanisms of it. To address the research gap, this study builds a theoretical framework upon complex system theory and lifecycle perspective, and shows that the ecosystem in business context bears four special features as its four core dimensions: self-organization, interdependence, infrastructure, and co-opetition. These four key elements should not be perceived in isolation but holistically to reflect the ecosystem’s complexity and dynamic nature. Further, out-performing and resilient ecosystems rely on ①diverse self-organized actors interacting spontaneously with no central controllers so that ecosystem-level value propositions can emerge smoothly; ②semi-structured interdependence among actors facilitates an ecosystem to take advantage of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) as opportunities as well as defend against VUCA as threats; ③strong infrastructures provided by an ecosystem enable all actors in their activities for value co-creation and co-capture; ④actors co-create and co-capture value in the competition and cooperation mechanism and consequently co-evolve in a sustainable process.
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Received: 19 March 2020
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