Structural Challanges of Innovation Ecosystem Management – a Theoretical Approach

Abstract

THE AIMS OF THE PAPER

Innovation is one of the main drivers of sustainable economic development. Since innovation is an open ended and expensive process, market players particiapte in various collaborations to reduce the costs and risks of innovation activity. In this context, the study presents a scientific interpretation of the concept of innovation ecosystem as a collaborative structure, and outlines the basic structural challanges of ecosystem management.

METHODOLOGY

The study is based on extensive literature review. The theoretical framework in the study serves primarily as a starting point for the empirical research of ecosystem management practice in Hungary.

MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS

On the one hand the study summarizes the scientific origins and definition of the concept of innovation ecosystem. On the other hand, the study identifies the structural challenges of innovation ecosystem management based on a broad literature synthesis. The five main challenges are: choosing partners, estabilishing the ecosystem’s strutcutre, appointment of the ecosystem leader, adaptability and dynamic capaibilites, the importance of trust.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Innovation ecosystem is functioning as a buzzword nowadays. The exact interpretation of the concept is difficult to define, which is why it is highly important to always use the notion in a clear context. Furthermore, the design and management of ecosystems raises a number of strategic and structural challanges, as the basic principle of these cooperations is effective value creation. Conscious ecosystem management is thus essential for the efficient and effective operation of ecosystems.

Acknowledgements: This publication was prepared with the Professional Support of the Doctoral Student Scholarship Program of the Co-Operative Doctoral Program of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology financed from the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.