Identifying elements of the digital economy ecosystem

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this article is to identify the key elements of the e-commerce and digital economy ecosystem using scientific literature. The article addresses the factors that are the driving force behind a digital company's success in the digital economy and contributes to the basic knowledge of the digital economy concept.

Design/methodology/approach. For the scientific literature review, the method used was qualitative content analysis aimed at identification of the key components that are involved in the formation of the ecosystem of the economy.

Findings. The research results include the components identified that subsequently form the elements of the digital economy ecosystem. This allows for an assessment of what is already known about the practical aspects of the problem, using systematic literature review methods. Therefore, it becomes possible to analyze the concept of the digital economy and its transformation by considering its current elements – which are characterized as elements of previous trends – and make an attempt to determine their effect on various aspects of ecommerce.

Research limitations/implications. The new developments in the economy are based on the evolution of digital technologies. The research considers the concept of the digital economy. Globalization processes increase the speed of information exchange and emerging new commercial activities in digital technologies. To comprehend the significance of each component identified, the authors apply the results of previous research to combine the categories of digital
economy ecosystem elements and definitions.

Originality/value. The article includes extensive analysis of the factors, suggesting that it can be regarded as novel in identifying the ecosystem elements for e-business in the digital economy. The concept of ecosystem implies certain functional characteristics that specifically regulate change or maintain the stability of a desired balancing state.