Technological interdependence management capability (TIMC) in innovation ecosystems

Purpose The purpose of this research is to understand how firms develop technological interdependence management capability (TIMC) in innovation ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining an inductive multi-case study of 10 firms − including 47 in-depth interviews − with a survey of 275 executives responsible for managing ecosystem interdependencies. Findings The main finding is a novel framework delineating the activities and outcomes required for a focal firm to build technological interdependence within its ecosystem. The authors found that managers work on modularizing their offerings and co-developing with complementors to increase and manage their interdependencies. Their tasks include adopting complementors’ technologies and creating locking mechanisms to sustain complementors in the ecosystem. By developing and validating a new scale to measure technological interdependence capability, this study proposes that interdependence is not automatic and requires purposeful actions for the firm to innovate within its ecosystem. Originality/value This research advances the capabilities-based view by revealing how orchestrators cultivate ecosystem interdependence capabilities. It further contributes to innovation and ecosystem scholarship by demonstrating the impact of these capabilities on the firms’ innovation performance within the ecosystem. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.