Even a Small Conductor Can Lead a Large Orchestra: How Startups Orchestrate Ecosystems

Contrary to existing literature, startups can be successful orchestrators of ecosystems. Based on nine qualitative case studies, this article introduces four archetypes that shed light on how a startup can fulfill the tasks of an orchestrator and overcome challenges. The findings identify dimensions...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:California management review 2021-05, Vol.63 (3), p.118-143
Main Authors: Lingens, Bernhard, Böger, Maximilian, Gassmann, Oliver
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ecosystems
Small & medium sized enterprises-SME
Standardization
Startups
Value creation
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Contrary to existing literature, startups can be successful orchestrators of ecosystems. Based on nine qualitative case studies, this article introduces four archetypes that shed light on how a startup can fulfill the tasks of an orchestrator and overcome challenges. The findings identify dimensions of standardization/customization and sources of value creation as defining the role of ecosystem orchestrators and demonstrate the consequences for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), corporates, investors, and accelerators involved in such ecosystems.
ISSN:0008-1256
2162-8564
DOI:10.1177/00081256211005497