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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.
Key wordsecosystem      self-organization      co-opetition      complex system theory      lifecycle     
Received: 19 March 2020     
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HAN Jin
LI Peter Ping
ZHOU Haibo
Cite this article:   
HAN Jin,LI Peter Ping,ZHOU Haibo. The Ecosystem Theory in Management Research: Theoretical Framework and Future Directions[J]. Chinese Journal of Management, 2022, 19(1): 139-.
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http://manu68.magtech.com.cn/Jwk_glxb/EN/     OR     http://manu68.magtech.com.cn/Jwk_glxb/EN/Y2022/V19/I1/139
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