Digital ecosystems in international technological business

Abstract

Introduction. The current stage of economic development is characterized by the increasing impact of advanced digital information and communication technologies (ICT) on the entire system of human interactions, encompassing the processes of production, distribution, exchange, and consumption of both material and immaterial goods. Among the emerging phenomena in today's economic relations system are digital ecosystems, which are created and developed through the actions of international technological companies. The purpose of the paper is to define the essence and content of the concept of "digital ecosystems" for further analysis and understanding in an economic context. Results. It is argued that, in an economic sense, the concept of ecosystems is a continuation of the scientific inquiries of various scholars studying changes and relationships in the business environment from the perspectives of competition and collaboration among its participants. Today, business ecosystems created and developed by international technological companies typically operate through digital platforms, services, and solutions, transforming them into digital business ecosystems. The paper identifies key types of digital ecosystems in business and emphasizes the existence of other types of digital ecosystems (governmental, hybrid) that also require further exploration. The role of international technological companies in shaping global digital ecosystems is explored, using Amazon as an example. It is clarified that leading global technology companies play a crucial role as conductors of the ecosystem of ecosystems. In digital ecosystems, boundaries are constantly changing, participants and components are updated. As a result, the description of the structures of digital ecosystems varies among different authors. Conclusion. Theoretical guidelines are provided for further research on digital ecosystems in economics and business, both from the perspective of economic strategy developers and theoretical economists.