The key role of dynamic capabilities in the evolutionary process for a startup to develop into an innovation ecosystem leader: An indepth case study

This paper explores the evolutionary mechanism of an innovation ecosystem by investigating how the case startup develops to initiate and lead one. The results reveal that the dynamic capabilities of the case company play a key role. They help the company acquire, renew and reconfigure resources to conquer its own development puzzles. This process naturally solves the stage challenges of the innovation ecosystem and advances its evolution. During the evolution, the social capital is an important antecedent of the dynamic capabilities. The paper enriches understandings of innovation ecosystems and dynamic capabilities. Such understandings can help enhance innovation efficiency in practice.