Expanding Social Capital with AI: Reducing Digital Noise for Stronger Cross-Functional Alignment in Global B2B Platform Ecosystems

In today’s fast-changing, unpredictable, and complex business environment, the success of Business-to-Business (B2B) platform strategies relies heavily on how well Social Capital is managed. This valuable but intangible resource fuels innovation, adaptability, and transformation across ecosystems, which are often fragmented and overloaded with digital distractions. This study examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a transformative role in strengthening Social Capital within B2B platform ecosystems. AI technology can filter through large professional networks, such as LinkedIn, to enable organizations to pinpoint high-value connections that are vital for building trust, fostering meaningful engagement, and achieving measurable performance across boundaries. Building on established research on Social Capital and B2B growth, this study introduces an AI- driven model designed to improve cross-functional and inter-organizational collaboration. It achieves this by bringing together traditionally isolated areas, such as marketing, sales, and supply chains under a unified digital strategy. Industrial case studies were included to highlight how AI technologies can impact Social Capital by accelerating processes, improving relationship management, and strengthening alignment within platform-based operations. By strategically applying AI, businesses can cut through digital clutter, create stronger ecosystem-wide collaboration, and enhance resilience, innovation, and sustainable competitive advantage. The study concludes with data-backed recommendations, that offer B2B leaders a clear roadmap for effectively applying AI to manage Social Capital. It positions Social Capital as a critical driver of digital transformation and organizational alignment in today’s complex international business ecosystems.