Strategic synergy implementation in the evolution of platform ecosystems: a case study of Xiaomi ecosystem

Purpose The synergy between platform owners and complementors plays a crucial role in the evolution of platform ecosystems. However, there is limited understanding of the correlation of strategic actions between platform owners and complementors. This study aims to explore how platform owners and complementors drive the evolution of platform ecosystems through strategic synergy implementation, driven by market triggers, and the outcomes of these synergistic strategies. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a longitudinal case study of the Xiaomi platform ecosystem. The temporal bracket and structural approach are used to analyze and theorize the data. Findings This study examines the strategic interactions between platform owners and complementors and identifies three synergistic strategies, namely, resource synergy strategy, system synergy strategy and scenario synergy strategy. These strategies build on the foundation of core products, facilitating horizontal diversification and integration while driving vertical contextualization. By implementing these synergistic strategies, platform ecosystems evolve progressively, starting with one based on core products, then moving to one based on combination products and finally to one based on scenario products. Research limitations/implications Further research can explore the distinctions in the evolutionary trajectories and synergistic strategies of transactional and innovative platform ecosystems. Additionally, by delineating the types of complementors, studies can investigate the strategic interactions between different types of complementors and platform owners, as well as the synergistic strategies, providing new perspectives and deeper insights. Originality/value This study expands the procedural research on the evolution of platform ecosystems, revealing the evolutionary trajectory of platform ecosystems. Meanwhile, we also pay attention to the correlation of strategic actions between platform owners and complementors, proposing three synergistic strategies to drive the evolution of platform ecosystems.