Abstract

The purpose of this conceptual study is to synthesise a theoretical view for describing business ecosystems based on stakeholders’ business models, to aid new product development ecosystems. The research approach of this study is constructive. This study is founded on a thorough literature review clarifying how business ecosystems are covered in academic writings in conjunction with new product development. The literature findings are analysed and synthesised to obtain a theory based view on business ecosystems.

This study indicates that a business ecosystem can be described via the business models of participating actors, and that business model elements can portray the structure of an ecosystem. Business actors are connected to each other and to ecosystem’s customers via relationships characterised by offering and revenue. An ecosystem offering is the composition of the actors’ offerings. The value creation structure of an ecosystem is described by linkages between actors. Based on the experiences of this study, describing semiconductor ecosystem via business model elements is a tangible way to perceive an ecosystem and the roles of different actors.

This study is purely conceptual and is based on the existing literature; hence some aspects are potentially ignored. Academics and company managers may benefit of utilising the results of this study in describing, and analysing different ecosystems, understanding which business actors are required, and what their role is in new product development.