Business ecosystems: a structure to commercialize value chain of rural economies in developing areas

Abstract

Firms in rural economies of developing countries like Tanzania have limited abilities to create value and appropriate a sizable share of value from their business ecosystems. This study aimed at analysing the existing business ecosystem of the beekeeping industry and proposing a structure to commercialize the industry. The study adopted the qualitative design, descriptive action research approach. Unstructured interview and participant as observer techniques were used to collect data from 12 purposively selected actors in the beekeeping industry. Through interpretative data analysis, the existing business ecosystem was described and prescriptive business ecosystems were suggested. To commercialize the value chain of rural economies in developing areas, two business ecosystems are suggested: the enterprise-centred business ecosystem and the hybrid business ecosystem. Also, the value should be appropriated among actors in a fairly and truthful way. The role of an enterprise, which is an ecosystem orchestrator, is to ensure those ecosystem actors, particularly beekeepers, join and stay in the ecosystem. The study technique for data collection provides a valuable empirical ground through which management and business research can rely on the methodology. The study informs policymakers, researchers, and organization in the sector on the important steps and measures to take to build and manage a viable and commercial beekeeping ecosystem. And we provide a theoretical contribution to the business ecosystems and value chain theories as well as the empirical evidence for the theories.