Modelling business ecosystem of halal industry – case halal food industry in Indonesia

Purpose This paper aims to construct a framework for mapping and designing halal business ecosystems (HBEs). Using this ecosystem framework can benefit all stakeholders, particularly Muslim consumers, by offering strategic insights. Design/methodology/approach The research begins by identifying the fundamental or core concepts necessary to comprehend the foundation of an HBE. This leads to developing a model for designing, mapping and analysing, and visually representing these ecosystems, tested through selected case studies to demonstrate the model’s effectiveness. Findings This paper presents a novel framework for constructing an HBE. It clearly defines HBE using the value exchange network. The framework can be used to map existing ecosystems and plan the expansion of an ecosystem. Three cases are used to demonstrate the expressive power of the framework, which can be used to map existing ecosystems and plan the expansion of an ecosystem. Research limitations/implications Despite the model’s apparent strength and expressive power, some limitations are identified. The model emphasizes the structure of a business ecosystem. Although the main behaviour of actors in the ecosystem is captured through the exchange value, many behaviours of actors cannot be captured using the model. Next, the model does not provide a way to manage or govern an HBE; hence, a separate model will be used for such a purpose. Future directions should address the following issues: applying the model to investigate existing HBEs in various settings; developing governance frameworks for HBEs; extending the model to other halal industries, such as halal tourism; investigating value, how it can be measured and quantified; and measuring the health or sustainability of an HBE. Practical implications This paper offers guidance and tools for constructing an HBE, mapping an existing HBE and expanding it. Originality/value This paper uses a novel framework for mapping, analysing and constructing HBEs, offering a methodology for drafting such ecosystems.