Hello everyone!

I would like to ask several questions concerning Business Ecosystems. By that I mean a group of companies that form a mutually beneficial business community, which supports and completes each other. So is there anyone who works in such environment, and has a good idea about the subject?
Thank you in advance.

Hello Lamis, I work in Alcatel-Lucent located in Smart Village in Cairo. It’s a compound which includes many multinational telecommunication companies, all located in this village. I can try to help you…But why are you interested in this subject?

Hello Michael, good to know you…and thanks for offering help. Actually I need this for an assignment for my MBA course. We are required to ask the questions through a forum, and not by researching them on the web

Oh well, hope I can be useful. Go ahead.

Thanks! So lets start.
What and who do you think does the company in a business ecosystem depend on in order to operate?

Well, most companies have hundreds, if not thousands, of companies, people, ideas, and materials that are critical for its operations. Start by listing the suppliers, and then consider other units at provide resources, services, or ideas to the organization. For example, here in the Smart village, the all the main telecommunication companies of Egypt are located. This makes it easies for the suppliers, the customers, and the companies itself to operate since partners can deal effortless, and competition is more transparent.

Thank you Michael, my next question is: What companies in a business ecosystem must succeed in order for customers to use the company’s products and services?

In an ecosystem, other members must succeed in order for your own organization to achieve its goals. For example, Michelin cannot sell tires unless people buy cars. Century 21 won’t make its revenue unless banks give home mortgages to buyers.

Alright, third question: Why would anyone be a part of a business ecosystem versus doing it alone?

I believe, since all firms aim commercial success, therefore they hope to take advantage of other companies and their capabilities. Some companies simply complement each other, and can not function without the complementary products of their partners. Other organizations benefit from being a part of a certain industry ecosystem because this way they attract more customers, facilitate their relationships with suppliers, and have easier access to industries innovations.

Ok, and do you think that the Business Ecosystems are concentrating on “Going Green”?

Well I suppose in the past 6 years many business ecosystems were working on this issue, and wondering whether green practices always have to be about sacrifice, or can they actually contribute to a corporations' profitability on the long-run? Reducing power consumption is actually a big concern nowadays internationally. As for our Smart Village, it is actually environmentally friendly, full of parks, green areas, and sport facilities. But yet they didn’t implement the energy saving technique. Hopefully it will happen sooner or later.

Thanks. And one final question, do you think perfect information exists between the business ecosystem members, or there are always some issues disclosed?

Sure, there are always some issues disclosed. Sometimes the leaders of certain business ecosystems ignore and damage positive, innovative relationships, with their business partners. These companies keep their strategies secret, and use their power in greedy ways, damaging the competition and innovation that would benefit their business community as a whole.

Thank you so much for your time Michael, you were really helpful!

Ur welcome, glad I was useful :)