Section11

Question 1

Innovation Ecosystem

don’t define, describe it

Answer 1

• Group of autonomous firms and individuals
• Interdependence adds value beyond individual parts
• Requires management of modularity, standards, and platforms

Question 2

Complementarity

Answer 2

• Different elements become more valuable when combined
• Total value exceeds sum of individual parts
• Can appear in varied forms and complexities

Question 3

From Products to Platforms

Answer 3

• Platforms act as a foundation for broader ecosystems
• Firms assume they can design and control their environment
• Reality: ecosystems often escape complete firm control

Question 4

What are the three types of ecosystem risk?

Answer 4

• Initiative risk: Managing focal project
• Interdependence risk: Coordinating with complementary innovators
• Integration risk: Adopting solution across the value chain
• Complexity can grow n² times with more ecosystem actors

Question 5

3D Printing Ecosystem

What are the core actors and what happened over time?

Answer 5

• Evolved 1995 → 2005 → 2015
• Core actors: OEMs, material suppliers, service providers, customers
• Over time, new peripheral products and services emerged

Question 6

3D Printing Challenges (1995–2015)

Answer 6

• 1995: Reliability and basic functionality
• 2005: Boosting performance & forging supplier relationships
• 2015: Aligning ecosystem elements and forward integration

Question 7

Ecosystem Questions

Answer 7

• Which elements are needed?
• What rules govern interactions?
• Ecosystem design is about balancing centripetal & centrifugal forces