Transforming Value Chains into Internet-based Ecosystems: A Testbed Approach

The Internet of Things (IoT) enables the integration of distributed systems and actors, which furthermore initiates the transformation of traditional value adding chains into Internet-based ecosystems. Therefore, cooperation between actors from different domains is crucial. The essential characteristics of these ecosystems are cooperative value proposition as well as fragmentation of individual service components. The cooperative value proposition describes the common business goal, which the cooperation is based on. Today's enterprises need to cope with this transformation and therefore need an answer to the following question: How can traditional value adding chains be transformed successfully into Internet-based ecosystems? The testbed approach, which is presented in this paper, evolved from the experiences of six testbed workshops as well as a group discussion. Based on established concepts from the literature and the experiences of the six testbeds, a framework for generating a value proposition in Internet-based ecosystems was developed. In conclusion, the testbed approach supports a successful transformation into Internet-based ecosystems.