Title: Mediator's role in an innovation ecosystem

Authors: Heli Aramo-Immonen; Jari Leppäniemi; Jari Soini; Sian Joel-Edgar

Addresses: Tampere University of Technology, Pori Unit, Pohjoisranta 11 A 28100 Pori, Finland ' Tampere University of Technology, Pori Unit, Pohjoisranta 11 A 28100 Pori, Finland ' Tampere University of Technology, Pori Unit, Pohjoisranta 11 A 28100 Pori, Finland ' University of Bath, Computer Science, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK

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.

Keywords: innovation diffusion; SME network; B2B network; innovation management; business ecosystem; innovation ecosystem.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.085467

International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 2017 Vol.11 No.3, pp.229 - 242

Received: 06 Jan 2015
Accepted: 20 Oct 2015

Published online: 28 Jul 2017 *

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