Organizing ecosystems for the greater good: An integrative review

To understand how ecosystems can be organized to address grand challenges, we conduct a review of 178 research documents. We outline differences in organizational elements among different ecosystem types incorporating sustainability objectives, and develop a typology, positioning them according to their approach to address grand challenges. We propose a characterization of sustainable ecosystems by delineating salient aspects of orchestration, participation, and design for shared value creation. Further, we propose a multidimensional system of goals that determines the direction and scope of ecosystem activities. Accordingly, we develop a conceptual process framework for sustainable ecosystem activities revolving around multidirectional and regenerative value flows through which solutions are developed for grand challenges. Through the study, we argue for the unique positioning of ecosystems to balance purpose and profit in addressing grand challenges. By triggering the discussion beyond business-centrism, we advance toward a holistic conceptualization of ecosystems, involving the participation of diverse organizational and non-organizational actors for economic and non-economic objectives. Thereby, we present critical implications for ecosystem organization, participation, and evolution.