The power of Ecosystem

Pathways to build ecosystems in the manufacturing industry?

Nowadays, manufacturers must absorb digital and advanced technologies across their business operations, including production, to stay competitive. Innovation is constant, technology is increasingly present, and it is necessary to join forces to stay up to date with all trends and needs of the sector. However, many manufacturers are not harnessing the power of their network connections to boost their business. This is where an ecosystem approach can significantly enhance the results.?

A smart manufacturing ecosystem is the result of different entities that work together in meaningful ways to solve shared challenges and meet shared objectives. More than enhancing competitiveness, ecosystems help to respond to disruptions better and allow more capacity and flexibility. Also, today?customers expect a more holistic “solution” approach instead of an individual “machine” focus.?

Ecosystemising a company: A job by everyone, for everyone?

“All for one and one for all” - the ecosystem approach is a bit like the motto of the title characters in the book The Three Musketeers. Companies take the distinctive differences and strengths of each business and each person and join forces to reach maximum potential and give the customer what they are looking for: holistic and innovative solutions tailored to their specific needs. Some leaders from K?rber underline how beneficial an Ecosystem approach is and why:?

Rami Jokela , K?rber

Dr. Julia Ju , K?rber Pharma

Veit M. Liemen K?rber Supply Chain

Daniel Szabo , K?rber Digital

Business ecosystem: Why we’ve got no time to waste?

In the past, it was enough for companies to focus only on developing and offering their products and solutions. However, in the future, we'll need to tackle intricate and multifaceted challenges that require a broader approach – the ecosystem approach. This means addressing a wide range of products, services, solutions, and expertise to find comprehensive and effective solutions.? ?

Stephan Seifert , CEO at K?rber Group, affirms that technologies are changing economies and that ecosystems as a business model are fundamental to the tech sector. Companies need to keep some factors in mind when building ecosystems: new technologies, new business models, new market players, and leadership.? ?

Customer value is proportionally higher the better the ecosystem works for the customer.?But to keep the ecosystem working and meeting customer needs, Stephan Seifert explains, in this LinkedIn article, that companies must track the ecosystem's health throughout its life cycle, from the beginning. ?The power of a strong ecosystem provides big results for businesses and costumers and helps build the future – and that’s why companies have no time to waste.?

Make GenAI a top priority across ecosystems?

As we have already seen, to get the best out of the ecosystem, companies must seek to join forces and incorporate digital and advanced technologies across their business operations – one of these tools is Generative AI. GenAI is a decision-support technology that can give employees superpowers to work more productively.?This kind of technology could theoretically enable an annual productivity gain of 2.6 to 4.4 trillion US dollars. ?

According to Prof. Dr. Niko Mohr , Partner in Düsseldorf office of 麦肯锡 , part of the global IoT leadership team of McKinsey and leader of McKinsey's global Quantum Technology Community, GenAI will change how we work and can lead to rethinking some areas. By taking a strategic approach with GenAI, companies can unleash their full potential and gain a competitive advantage. ?

Dr. Niko Mohr suggests that CEOs must make the development of GenAI a top priority, because it will have a significant impact across all industry sectors. Companies should take a strategic approach, with the leadership team, and consider aspects like taking coordinated first steps in organizational and technological ways, balancing risk and value creation and building technology partnerships with an ecosystem approach. Discover how to unlock your company's full potential by checking our latest blog article.?

We are stronger together!?

The power of ecosystems is clear: they are a dynamic and largely independent set of players that complement each other to create interconnected offerings which deliver more value as one integrated experience. Start implementing the ecosystem mindset today, and if you would like to collaborate with us, check our portfolio page.