Ecosystem Provocations - Rethinking Ecosystem Collaboration

Rethinking ecosystem collaboration
Measuring better ways of working -
Developing metrics for progress
Ecosystem Provocations
Overview
In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of African entrepreneurship,
collaboration stands as a critical but often undervalued element.
While there is a lot of discussion about the importance of working
together, as a report by ANDE acknowledges, plenty of rhetoric in this
space exists. Talk, without the walk. We need to get more beyond the
notion of increased cooperation to shift to fully integrate what a
partnership approach means in practice. There are gaps in the necessary
systems, knowledge, and tools to facilitate better ways of work at the
levels needed to achieve both gradual and transformative changes. The
bottom line: these activities can (and should) be managed and measured
more effectively.
The topic of ecosystem collaboration is one we have explored before (see
the dedicated chapter within our African Scalecraft thesis). Here we note
that the prevailing practice of implementing activities remains in silos which
restricts the flourishing of multiplier and network effects that would
exponentially benefit the entire ecosystem. Beyond efficiency and
effectiveness challenges, as well as value for money gains from a donor
lens, substantive value creation opportunities can be derived should critical
synergies between and amongst actors become properly addressed. The
purposely generalised schematic below attempts to illustrate the
differences.
The imperative for measurable collaboration
Source: Systemic Innovation
Despite widespread recognition of the importance of collaboration in
fostering innovation and growth, the mechanisms for measuring the
efficacy and breadth of collaboration, especially among organisations
dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, remain surprisingly
underdeveloped. The absence of robust, practical metrics to assess
collaboration within entrepreneurial ecosystems not only obscures the true
impact of these efforts but also limits opportunities for strategic
enhancement and resource optimisation.
Organisations that support entrepreneurs, including entrepreneurship
support organisations (ESOs), donors, and other stakeholders, form the
backbone of the entrepreneurial ecosystem support system. Their
collaborative efforts are pivotal in creating a nurturing environment for
high-growth startups, facilitating access to resources, knowledge, and
networks essential for success. Catalysts like ANDE are crucial actors
for convening, but strong measurement frameworks too are too needed
for assessing progress.
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Crafting metrics for collaboration
The development of metrics to assess ecosystem collaboration calls for a
comprehensive approach that encompasses both quantitative and
qualitative dimensions. Quantitatively, metrics such as the number of
collaborative initiatives, network connectivity, stakeholder participation
(and network analysis) , and cross-organisation memberships can provide
simple but valuable insights into the scope and scale of collaborative
efforts. These indicators reflect not only the volume of collaborative
activities but also the depth (and breath) of engagement and
interconnectedness within the ecosystem.
Qualitatively, assessing the outcomes of collaboration, stakeholder
satisfaction, innovation generated (co-developed), and the inclusivity of the
ecosystem offers a deeper understanding of the value and effectiveness of
these partnerships. Metrics focusing on (co-)investment success, feedback
from ecosystem participants, and the diversity and inclusivity of the
ecosystem can capture the more nuanced impacts of collaboration to
ensure a more supportive environment.
Multiplier outcome gains await
Ecosystem collaboration expert, Ed Morrison (see Strategic Doing) points
to different types of networks that combine to form an ecosystem:
advocacy, learning, and innovating networks. He describes “Innovating
Networks”, which have a particular structure: tight core teams and porous
boundaries - these are the main value generators of an ecosystem.
Collaboration between actors is a process of recombinant innovation
among partners who have developed a spirit of mutuality (which is
predicated on moves away from from ‘turf’ towards ‘trust’). These actions
can generate new value by experimenting with recombining the assets
embedded in their networks.
The (projected) multiplier outcomes associated with change (and some of
the associated tools) are indicated in the graphic below. At the top of the
pyramid are the multiplier benefits derived from synthesis of activities
(which is a step beyond collaboration, which itself can too frequently be
thin, loose, transactional, time-bound, and conditional). The ultimate aim is
towards synthesis and interdependence to drive systems gains.
Beyond metrics: envisioning collaborative futures
Levels of Systemic Synergy Source: Dark Matter Labs
The quest for actionable, relevant metrics to gauge collaboration within
entrepreneurial ecosystems transcends the mere quantification of
activities. It is about nurturing meaningful partnerships that drive not only
innovation and economic growth but also inclusivity and sustainability.
Clear, simple benchmarks for collaboration can illuminate the path
forward, guiding strategic improvements and fostering a more
interconnected, effective entrepreneurial landscape. Coordinating an
ecosystem is a challenging endeavour. It demands an understanding of the
various motivations and needs of stakeholders, the ability to foster
relationships, and the skill to facilitate impactful discussions that propel the
network forward.
This also involves securing the commitment of various participants in the
ecosystem. The task of aligning numerous interventions within the
ecosystem to pursue joint or supportive objectives is both lengthy and
complicated. The discourse on developing collaboration metrics is
important but also it challenges us to rethink the foundations of
entrepreneurial support. As ecosystems evolve, so too must our
approaches to measuring and enhancing the collaborative ties that bind
them. By embracing a more nuanced, comprehensive framework for
assessing collaboration, we can unlock new avenues for growth,
innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring a thriving future for entrepreneurs
worldwide.
Acknowledgments: We extend our heartfelt thanks to our systemic colleagues and
ecosystem partners who generously offered their insights and comments on a draft
version. Any mistakes or oversights within this article are solely the responsibility of
the author.
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