The role of institutions in the evolution of service ecosystems

Purpose – According to S-D Logic, institutions are governance mechanisms for service for service exchange and value co-creation in service ecosystem. Empirical evidences aimed at observing how institutions emerge and affect resources integration and value co-creation in service ecosystems are scarce. Methodology/approach – In this paper we studied the Lego Group service ecosystem, with a particular attention to some loci for value co-creation: the company, two relevant communities (Afols and Gamers) and the distributors’ network. Findings – Results - In our study we provide empirical evidences that institutions, emerging from the consolidating of practices, have a critical role in determining the evolution of the service ecosystem. Institutions allow actors to coordinate, integrate resources and co-create value. Originality/value – Our study addresses a substantial gap in the literature about the role of institutions in the evolution of a service ecosystems as they impact both on resource integration and value co-creation.