Why Do Most Business Ecosystems Fail?

Ulrich Pidun

Partner at Boston Consulting Group

as recording during on 22-26 February 2021 as part of Innov8rs Connect on Foresight, Ecosystem Engagement and Startup Collaboration.


It is widely acknowledged that business ecosystems offer great potential. However, there is a hidden and inconvenient truth: most business ecosystems fail. Research by the BCG Henderson Institute found that fewer than 15% were sustainable in the long run.

Based on an analysis of more than 100 failed ecosystem, this session will address the most prevalent reasons for ecosystem failure, identify early-warning indicators and explain how to improve the design and governance of an ecosystem in order to increase the odds of success.

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About the speaker

Ulrich Pidun is a partner and director in the Frankfurt office of Boston Consulting Group. He is an expert for corporate development and European topic leader for corporate strategy, with 24 years of experience in this field.

As a fellow at the BCG Henderson Institute, Ulrich investigates business ecosystems with a focus on ecosystem design, governance, and strategies. In addition to his work at BCG, Ulrich Pidun serves as professor for corporate strategy at Technical University of Berlin, Germany.