FEATURES OF VALUE CREATION IN AN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

The aim of the paper is to examine the value creation characteristics of an innovation ecosystem. In the first part of this study, the findings and results of relevant research related to value creation are summarized. The problem area of the present paper is analysis and mapping of collaborative relations and consequences based on that among the ecosystem actors. The research presented here was realized through a survey addressing the players of the ecosystem connected to the ZalaZONE Research and Technology Center. Based on the interview investigation, the features of customer-supplier relations between the organizations of the research center were mapped. As the result of data processing, a matrix display technique was used, which is suitable for a two-dimension description of the relationships within an innovation ecosystem. The main conclusion of the paper is that the analyzed collaboration level is well-advanced, but there is still further room for intensification. In addition, as an outcome of the analysis, a so-called collaboration index has been determined, which refers to the level of co-operation between the actors of the given ecosystem. Further research studies are run and continued in extension of the currently presented survey technique in order to understand more deeply the special characteristics of multiple relations of the actors as well as the features and components of the defined collaboration index. With these outputs, the paper delivered conclusions on relationships of an innovation ecosystem and at the same time, outlined the concept of the collaboration index which can be a feasible approach for further relevant research of the topic.