This introductory paper summarises the needs and the processes that have led to the concept of digital business ecosystem (DBE), the impact that this area of research aims to achieve, and the scientific and conceptual perspectives that have been uncovered by this approach. This area of research and policy development is still in its infancy. With the progressive coupling of the different areas of knowledge that are related to DBEs and the construction of a multidisciplinary community, the objectives have evolved since the first paper of 2002, and we now have a better understanding of the process and the scientific and conceptual challenges ahead. Although the link between learning, or knowledge transfer, and economic development is by no means a straightforward one, by leveraging an evolutionary and open knowledge approach we have been able to engage diverse communities of small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in several regions of Europe in the adoption of state-of-the-art business modelling, software development, and run-time environments.

Nachira, Francesco; Nicolai, Andrea; Dini, Paolo; Le Louarn, Marion; Rivera León, Lorena. - European Commission Directorate General Information Society and Media. (2007). Digital Business Ecosystems. Produced in association with DBE and OPAALS. Graphic Editing by Paolo Antinori.