Re-visiting innovation ecosystem S-curves: disentangling network effects and complementarity in technology diffusion
通过德国电动汽车充电基础设施案例，分析间接网络效应和技术互补性如何加速新兴创新生态系统的扩散，对理解消费者采纳过程有参考价值。
This paper examines how indirect network effects and technological complementarity shape the diffusion of emerging innovation ecosystems. While prior studies have explored substitution dynamics by comparing incumbent and emerging innovation ecosystems, we explore how internal ecosystem dynamics contribute to accelerating diffusion. Based on a case study of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Germany, we combine qualitative and quantitative data to analyse the role of complementary infrastructure – in particular, charging poles (CPs) – in enhancing the perceived value of the EV innovation ecosystem. We identify four key aspects of the charging infrastructure and assess their effects on the perceived ecosystem value through mechanisms of complementarity and indirect network effects. Our findings deepen the understanding of how ecosystem configurations shape consumer adoption processes and, as a long-term outcome, may support the transition from incumbent to emerging technology ecosystems.