Paper Number
ICIS2025-1901
Paper Type
Complete
Abstract
Due to their multi-actor nature and sociotechnical dynamics, governing digital ecosystems poses challenges for practitioners and scholars alike. In this conceptual paper, we synthesize literature on digital ecosystem governance from multiple disciplines into four dimensions—structure, decision-making, interactions, and behavior—and identify tensions between various design options within each. Using a paradox lens, we argue that current governance configurations often rely on either/or strategies that inadequately manage these tensions and lead to quasi-monopolistic situations. To address this, we introduce systems balancing as an alternative response. Systems balancing refers to decoupling governance choices in the social and technical systems of digital ecosystems to enable a novel interplay between the two systems. To illustrate the implications of this approach, we show how data space-based ecosystems, an emerging type of digital ecosystem, apply systems balancing in their governance. With this work, we contribute to ongoing debates on effective digital ecosystem governance.
Recommended Citation
Liebert, Pauline and Engert, Simon Paul, "Managing Tensions in Digital Ecosystem Governance Through Systems Balancing" (2025). ICIS 2025 Proceedings. 8.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2025/sharing_econ/sharing_econ/8
Managing Tensions in Digital Ecosystem Governance Through Systems Balancing
Due to their multi-actor nature and sociotechnical dynamics, governing digital ecosystems poses challenges for practitioners and scholars alike. In this conceptual paper, we synthesize literature on digital ecosystem governance from multiple disciplines into four dimensions—structure, decision-making, interactions, and behavior—and identify tensions between various design options within each. Using a paradox lens, we argue that current governance configurations often rely on either/or strategies that inadequately manage these tensions and lead to quasi-monopolistic situations. To address this, we introduce systems balancing as an alternative response. Systems balancing refers to decoupling governance choices in the social and technical systems of digital ecosystems to enable a novel interplay between the two systems. To illustrate the implications of this approach, we show how data space-based ecosystems, an emerging type of digital ecosystem, apply systems balancing in their governance. With this work, we contribute to ongoing debates on effective digital ecosystem governance.
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19-SharingEconomy