Type of Publication: Article in Journal

Follow the flow: An exploratory multi-case study of value creation in e-commerce ecosystems

Author(s):

Wulfert, Tobias; Woroch, Robert; Strobel, Gero

Title of Journal:

Information & Management

Volume (Publication Date):

61 (2024)

Number of Issue:

8

Keywords:

E-commerce; Business ecosystems; Platforms; Value creation; Value network analysis; Multi-case study

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

doi:10.1016/j.im.2024.104035

Citation:

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Abstract

Platform-based ecosystems dominate e-commerce, generating value through participant growth and resulting network effects. However, research has lacked any conceptualization of value creation in e-commerce ecosystems. This paper fills this gap by providing a theoretically grounded and empirically validated conceptualization of value creation and exchange, including roles, value creation activities, and value flows among participants. The model integrates insights from a systematic literature review and a multi-case study of ten leading e-commerce ecosystems. Furthermore, an extension to the e3-value notation is proposed by introducing ecosystem segments, allowing for a higher level of abstraction of meta-roles and individual ecosystem participants.