Modern
literature reviews devoted to innovative
ecosystems (IE) or ecosystems in general lack a focus on developing a
typology, which is noted by a number of specialists and identified by them as a
significant gap in the research. However, the importance of constructing a
typology lies in its ability to systematize the identified diversity of
innovative ecosystems by grouping them according to certain criteria
(attributes), which is an important step in theoretical research. The need for
such a step is determined by the logic of the transition from the stage of developing
definitions of concepts to their operationalization (measurement), which helps
focus further empirical work and is crucial for the systematic accumulation of
knowledge on innovative ecosystems. This indicates the relevance of the chosen research topic.
In this paper, based on a comprehensive review
of the specialized literature, knowledge on innovative ecosystems is expanded
and supplemented: (1) the conceptual problem of defining IE is considered, for
which a dual approach is proposed - understanding IE in both the narrow and
broad sense; (2) a system of key criteria for the typology is determined,
correlating with the corresponding types of IE; (3) the author presents a systemic typology of IEs, developed
using a cumulative approach based on previous research. This typology helps
identify relevant attributes characterizing a specific ecosystem. This is
important both for identifying each specific object of study and for the
further development of ecosystem theory in this area. A number of types absent from
the literature were also identified, for example, based on the classification
criterion “sources of funding” in the
field of innovative ecosystems. The presented typology will be useful for a
better understanding of ecosystem characteristics during their further study
and practical use, as well as for successful strategic management of them in
business.
