Ecosystem: Living the 12 Principles of Networked Business

Ever consider applying a scientific concept to your e-business by creating an "ecosystem?" The concept simply means that no business is an island and managers should focus on a holistic approach based on learning, planning, evaluation, security, buying, portals, and personalization. By establishing a dynamic, shared environment between customers (B2C), supply and demand chains (B2B), stakeholders and investors (B2S), and employees (B2E), the authors write, businesses can create and maintain strong relationships that contribute to their success. Power and Jerjian offer case studies on eBay, Eastman Chemical, Intel, and British Aerospace to back up their premise. These companies are building a collaborative ecosystem, they say, through cross-fertilization among communities of customers, shareholders, employees, partners, and competitors.