A two-stage supply chain ecosystem evolution model: the role of platformization

Despite growing scholarly interest in supply chain management (SCM) and ecosystems, a significant gap remains in understanding the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of a supply chain ecosystem (SCE). This study empirically investigates how SCEs emerge and advance from transactional supply chains. By adopting a longitudinal case study approach, this study develops a two-stage SCE evolution model that identifies two distinct stages – modular SCE and generative SCE – and delineates the transitions between them. This study reveals that the platformization of supply chain functions is the key to transitioning from a transactional supply chain to a modular SCE and that platformization across domains is the key to transitioning from a modular SCE to a generative SCE. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in SCM and ecosystem by offering a holistic view of SCE evolution, clarifying the characteristics and boundary conditions of each stage, and explicating specific actions of platformization in these transitions. This study also provides SCM practitioners with guidelines for advancing their supply networks by transitioning to SCEs and adopting platforms.