The role of ecosystem complementors

• Ecosystems are organized around a final product or value proposition that involves non-generic complementarities • A focal firm in an ecosystem cannot create value unless all necessary complements are present. • Complementors often draw on different capabilities, have distinct economics, and exhibit varying innovation rates. • Interdependence among complements can be complex. • Because of the complementarities, connecting to an ecosystem involves some investment that is not fully fungible, i.e. the investment cannot be redeployed elsewhere without cost. • Nature of complementarities in a value system explain when and why alignment takes place.