Strategische Entscheidungsprozesse in digitalen Startups: Strukturierung von Faktoren für den Beitritt zu einem digitalen Ökosystem
摘要
Digital ecosystems, such as the Apple App Store, form a network that integrates various actors, technologies, and services, inter alia aligning them towards a shared value proposition. Joining a digital ecosystem is a far-reaching decision for entrepreneurs. This is especially true for digital entrepreneurs, as digital technologies are a core part of their business concept. An ecosystem can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the further development of digital startups. In order to weigh up the potential consequences of joining an ecosystem, a large number of possible factors must be taken into account. The problem is that there is currently no structured decision aid for digital entrepreneurs. This makes evaluating the factors a complex task. Our work aims to summarize relevant decision factors and presents them in a structured, easy-to-use form. To this end, we conducted a narrative literature review and identified relevant decision factors. We present those in the form of a business model canvas for simplified practical applicability. To illustrate the application of the decision aid, it is illustrated in a case study using an ecosystem from the smart living sector. The decision aid presented here offers digital entrepreneurs support in the future when deciding to join an ecosystem and to make a well-founded assessment of possible effects. It also makes a valuable contribution to research by systematizing decision factors that were previously considered separately in a comprehensive and clear manner.