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Business-to-business ecosystem smartification for manufacturing: A definition, an integrative framework, and future directions

Author

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  • Kowalski, Mauro Estefano
  • de Vasconcelos Gomes, Leonardo Augusto
  • Borini, Felipe Mendes
  • Bernardes, Roberto Carlos

Abstract

This study investigates how firms reconfigure their ecosystems in response to the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI). While many B2B platforms have embraced digital transformation (DT), few studies examine how ecosystems evolve post-DT, as AI becomes embedded in platforms to enable adaptive processes and offerings. Drawing on a systematic literature review, we develop an integrative framework that identifies three interrelated phases, reconfiguring, experimenting, and expanding, through which smartification unfolds. Each phase presents specific governance mechanisms, coordination challenges, and strategic tensions among ecosystem actors. We define smartification as the integration of AI to create autonomous, context-aware, and self-improving solutions that support the development of business models and strategies. Our findings contribute to the literature on B2B platform ecosystems by clarifying the structural, organizational, and governance transformations that underpin AI adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • Kowalski, Mauro Estefano & de Vasconcelos Gomes, Leonardo Augusto & Borini, Felipe Mendes & Bernardes, Roberto Carlos, 2026. "Business-to-business ecosystem smartification for manufacturing: A definition, an integrative framework, and future directions," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:techno:v:151:y:2026:i:c:s0166497225002573
    DOI: 10.1016/j.technovation.2025.103425
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