The emergence of a platform innovation ecosystem in smart construction

Empirical studies focusing on the emergence of a platform innovation ecosystem and related co-innovation processes are still scarce in the construction and smart building contexts. This longitudinal case study examines an emerging platform innovation ecosystem to tackle productivity challenges in construction projects. Two-phased multi-actor interviews (N=25) and participatory observations were conducted. Empirical findings showed that co-evolution of the platform innovation ecosystem in construction is a dynamic, iterative, and networked process. Complex ecosystem dynamics in cooperation and competition, value creation and value capture, as well as autonomy and orchestration, were identified. Multiple new value creation opportunities and ecosystem outcomes were achieved. It was not only a question of the ecosystemic co-innovation process for smart construction solutions but of the simultaneous development of capabilities for the entire smart building platform ecosystem. Our findings are useful when studying and orchestrating platform innovation ecosystems and related novel value creation opportunities in smart construction and building contexts