Mediator's role in an innovation ecosystem. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aramo-Immonen, Heli; Leppaniemi, Jari; Soini, Jari; Joel-Edgar, Sian
• Is Part Of: International journal of business and systems research. Volume 11:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 229
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: innovation diffusion -- SME network -- B2B network -- innovation management -- business ecosystem -- innovation ecosystem; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Business -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 658.4038011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-200X

Abstract

The diffusion of new innovations into a business ecosystem is an interesting phenomenon. In order to gain competitive advantage for SMEs and also to add value in SME networks, the dynamic nature of the business ecosystem demands the capability to adapt new ideas. On the other hand, the risk-bearing ability of SMEs alone can be a barrier to the utilisation of novel innovations. In order to answer our research question - how to improve innovation diffusion in a business ecosystem via SME networks in collaboration with academia? - in this article we introduce the mediator-assisted innovation diffusion (MAID) model. The model was tested in multiple case studies where a total of 18 organisations participated. In the conceptual part of this paper we discuss the context of business and innovation ecosystems, the process of innovation diffusion and the mediator's role in value creation for SME networks in such an evolving ecosystem.