A conceptual framework of two-stage partner selection in platform-based innovation ecosystems for servitization

Partner selection has been a vital factor for the success of collaboration in platform-based innovation ecosystems, but few studies examine how to select in such ecosystems. Based on three cases, this study proposes a conceptual framework of two-stage partner selection for platform-based innovation ecosystems toward servitization. The analysis shows that: the stage I is a preliminary selection and aims to form an open “Resource Pool”, based on individual candidate’s basic operation capability, platform compatibility and collaborative risk; the stage II is a combined selection of partners based on customers’ demands, focusing on candidates’ collaborative capability and sustainability capability. This study not only expands the scenario of partner selection in PIEs toward servitization but also appeals to how to select partners in PIEs, and it also offers guidance for manufacturing enterprises to implement the strategy of PIEs for servitization.