From Disruption to Transformation: Mapping the Evolution of Digital Business Ecosystems

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally reshaped the architecture, dynamics, and value creation mechanisms of contemporary business ecosystems. This study, provides a comprehensive review and conceptual mapping of how digital innovations have driven the transition from traditional competitive landscapes to interconnected, platform-driven ecosystems. Drawing on a multidisciplinary synthesis of literature from strategic management, information systems, and innovation studies, the research identifies key evolutionary phases: emergence, disruption, integration, and transformation, highlighting the roles of platform orchestration, data analytics, and collaborative networks. The findings reveal that digital business ecosystems are characterized by increasing interdependence among actors, co-creation of value, and the emergence of new governance and competitive models. Furthermore, the study elucidates the strategic implications for firms navigating digital ecosystems, emphasizing adaptive capabilities, digital ambidexterity, and resilience as critical success factors. By offering a structured framework for understanding ecosystem evolution, this research contributes to both theoretical advancement and managerial practice, providing actionable insights for organizations aiming to leverage digital ecosystems for sustained competitive advantage.