Conceptual Methodological Approaches to the Formation of Ecosystems in the Conditions of Digital Transformation

The transformation of ecosystems is reflected in the evolution of business representation from hierarchy to ecosystems. This transformation is simultaneously associated with changes in competition conditions: the price and quality of products are fading into the background, differentiation, the principles of convergence and customisation of supply, and the speed of innovation are becoming more important. The most successful businesses in the market are those able to offer a wide range of products and services in one system. Thus, there is a two-way effect: new competition within the information and network space forces companies, enterprises, and clusters to integrate (or create) ecosystems, which, in turn, change markets. The methodological basis of this study is represented by the process and ecosystem approaches to analysing the functioning of ecosystems. The study used methods of semantic, bibliographic and comparative analysis, formalisation and systematisation. The paper also investigates the concept of ecosystems in the context of digital transformation of the economy in the framework of the formation of an information and network society, to describe open dynamic network (non-hierarchical) environments consisting of companies/firms/enterprises, people and institutions that interact in the creation, use and dissemination of innovations, ‘breakthrough' technologies and digital communication tools.