Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • 2023
  • Working Paper

Toward a Better Understanding of Open Ecosystems: Implications for Policymakers

By: Feng Zhu and Carmelo Cennamo
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:34
ShareBar

Abstract

The digital realm is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the emergence of platform business models and the concept of open ecosystems. This paper delves into the intricate nature of ecosystem openness, underscoring the point that the openness of ecosystems must be understood more as a spectrum than a mere binary state. We then discuss the benefits and challenges associated with open ecosystems. The discussion also highlights the role of centralized governance to ensure ecosystems’ sustainable and effective functioning. Furthermore, we discuss our study’s implications in the context of emerging technologies such as large language models, XR, and quantum computing. We conclude by discussing the implications for policymakers.

Keywords

Digital Platforms; Business Model; Governance; System; Situation or Environment

Citation

Zhu, Feng, and Carmelo Cennamo. "Toward a Better Understanding of Open Ecosystems: Implications for Policymakers." Working Paper, November 2023.
  • SSRN
  • Read Now

About The Author

Feng Zhu

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • January 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Driving Efficiency and Sustainability at P&G China

    By: Feng Zhu, Philip Kuai and Billy Chan
    • November–December 2024
    • Harvard Business Review

    How to Avoid the Agility Trap

    By: Jianwen Liao and Feng Zhu
    • November 2024 (Revised April 2025)
    • Faculty Research

    Cheerful Music

    By: Shunyuan Zhang, Feng Zhu and Nancy Hua Dai
More from the Authors
  • Driving Efficiency and Sustainability at P&G China By: Feng Zhu, Philip Kuai and Billy Chan
  • How to Avoid the Agility Trap By: Jianwen Liao and Feng Zhu
  • Cheerful Music By: Shunyuan Zhang, Feng Zhu and Nancy Hua Dai
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.