A partnership ecosystem is a network of cross-industry companies working together to share their experiences to create different solutions. Doesn’t matter what is your company role is in the industry and value chain. You may be on the distribution side as a reseller, bundler, co-seller, or white labeler. Or marketing partners in form of referrers, listing sites, certification providers, and professional industry advocates. Even technology partners like a joint product partner or App developers and platform extenders. Platform providers and product integrators are among technology partners as well.
What are the benefits of a partnership ecosystem?
Innovation:
Probably innovation is the most tangible outcome in a partnership ecosystem. Since sharing happens very frequently among partners it is the source of innovation for other companies in the ecosystem.
Expand partnership:
Being in such a network with professional partners it is very possible to find new cooperation opportunities. Whether from a sales and marketing point of view in a new geographical market. Or to find a new technology or logistic partner that fits your business needs.
Facilitate coopetition:
Being in a partnership platform provides competition opportunities when competitors transform to partners.
Disruption:
With sharing from different customers especially in a B2B ecosystem, you have the chance to build disruptive solutions. This provides the opportunity to create the first solution to existing pain. Ultimately some of these solutions could be disruptive for the whole industry.
Partnership ecosystems are not optional anymore. They are vital for keeping your competitive advantage and not being disrupted by your industry players.