Unlocking Value in Digital Ecosystems: A Framework of Five Analytical Lenses

Research on value creation in digital ecosystems is extensive but remains fragmented, lacking a cohesive structure to organize its diverse findings. This study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic bibliometric analysis of 366 articles to map the field's intellectual structure. We ask: What are the dominant analytical lenses through which value creation in digital ecosystems is researched? The analysis reveals that the literature can be understood through five distinct lenses: (1) Resilience and Trust, (2) Sustainability and Socio-Ecological Impact, (3) Knowledge and Integration, (4) Commercialization and Value Capture, and (5) Foundational Technology and Interoperability. This framework provides a novel typology for the field, highlighting critical trade-offs and integrating disparate research streams. It offers a more structured approach for both scholars and practitioners to analyze and navigate the complex dynamics of creating and sustaining value in the digital economy.