Zheng Liu
(Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China)

 

Abstract: This paper aims to unveil the development process of trust in business ecosystem. As business grows from individual company operations towards collaboration cross functions with diversity of products, there is a requirement for companies to co-develop with the environment. This business ecosystem (BE) phenomenon is observed not only in mature industries, but also in emerging sectors such as the creative industry. The current rapidly growing Chinese animation industry provides a typical case. Key roles in the BE including initiator, adopter, and specialist can be identified in a collaborative animation product development. In-depth case studies are carried out into the relationship within the business ecosystem. Activities related to inter-firm trust are highlighted following the stages of trust formation, development and continuation. A proposed model of the forming of trust along with business ecosystem is generated from data analysis. Further research areas are also addressed at the end of the paper.

 

Key words: business ecosystem; trust; inter-firm relationship; supply chain, Chinese animation industry

 

JEL codes: M110, M190