Visualization of Interfirm Relations in a Converging Mobile Ecosystem

The mobile ecosystem is characterized by a large and complex network of companies interacting with each other, directly and indirectly, to provide a broad array of mobile products and services to end-customers. With the convergence of enabling technologies, the complexity of the mobile ecosystem is increasing multifold as new actors are emerging, new relations are formed, and the traditional distribution of power is shifted. Drawing on theories of complex systems, interfirm relationships, and the creative art and science of network visualization, this paper identifies key catalysts and develops a method to effectively map the complex structure and dynamics of over 7,000 global companies and 18,000 relationships in the mobile ecosystem. Our visual approach enables decision makers to explore the complexity of interfirm relations in the mobile ecosystem, understand their firmpsilas competitive position in a network context, and identify patterns that may influence their choice of innovation strategy or business models.