Bridging knowledge, innovation and business ecosystems: a case of client's orchestration of energy innovation

Purpose This study explores how a public client as a focal firm enables value co-creation through orchestration that includes navigating and bridging knowledge, business and innovation ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on qualitative methods, with 25 semi-structured interviews being conducted with client representatives and project partners from four completed construction projects. Findings This study shows how the orchestration of ecosystems for value co-creation in construction includes activities within and across projects. While business ecosystem activities in projects tend to be exploitative, knowledge ecosystem activities are typically exploratory, and innovation ecosystem activities make up for the transition from exploitation to exploration. Yet, the activities are not exclusive in this sense but entail varying degrees of exploration and exploitation. We show how a small public client firm that commissions new projects and owns its building stock can successfully orchestrate such activities. Guided by an internal strategy and long-term commitment, the firm assumes the role of a focal bridging actor and engages with multiple actors in all three types of systems. We identify key factors contributing to client success in achieving high innovation ambitions: finding suitable partners, fostering strong relationships throughout and among projects, continuously testing and capturing learning from innovation, and engaging with the industry. Originality/value This study shows how varying degrees of exploration and exploitation activities in business, knowledge, and innovation ecosystems within and across projects contribute to value co-creation in construction. We show how a small public client firm that commissions new projects and owns its building stock can successfully orchestrate such activities by taking an active role as a focal firm, bridging different types of ecosystems for value creation from innovation.