Dynamic and Ordinary Capabilities for Ecosystem Orchestrator—A Perspective on the Supply Ecosystem

Abstract

The world's economic systems are based on global supply chains that have evolved into densely interconnected and complex networks, challenging existing approaches to supply chain management. Supply ecosystems offer a new theoretical perspective on the organizational form of the supply chain that will change the way firms interact by characterizing a coordinated and collaborative way of working. The increased complexity of this organizational form requires a central actor for ecosystem development and management—known as ecosystem orchestrator. Research on capabilities for ecosystem orchestrations has focused on neighboring ecosystem disciplines, neglecting the more complex supply ecosystems. To elucidate supply ecosystems, this study applied a multiple case study with six large multinational technology companies that each orchestrate a supply ecosystem. By conducting 32 interviews with different actors in six ecosystems, this article highlights capabilities an ecosystem orchestrator requires. The results show 35 dynamic and ordinary capabilities and categorized them into nine sets of capabilities. The systematic classification of capabilities into five areas illustrates the diversity and complexity of these capabilities, which range from technological fundamentals to adopting the role of an evangelist inside and outside the own company.