Building Digital Ecosystems

IMD Business School

Digital Transformation & AI

About Programme

In today’s volatile and interconnected business landscape, organizations face a dual challenge: reinventing their core operations while driving growth through new opportunities. Leading companies are adopting advanced strategies that leverage digital networks and AI-driven innovations to grow faster and adapt quickly to evolving customer needs. We call this approach the “digital ecosystem advantage“.

While 90% of global enterprises recognize the potential of digital ecosystems, many struggle to maintain momentum. AI and machine learning (ML) have become critical enablers of ecosystem success, but no company can do it alone. How can your organization overcome these challenges, harness AI-driven insights, and unlock new growth?

Building Digital Ecosystems empowers you to redefine partnerships for the digital era. Through cutting-edge research, real-world case studies, and insights from industry and academic experts, you’ll uncover what makes high-performing digital ecosystems succeed.

You’ll learn how to integrate AI and data analytics to deepen customer connections, harness AI-driven insights for smarter decision-making, and scale operations efficiently. You’ll explore the role of AI in regulatory compliance and ethical considerations, ensuring responsible innovation. You’ll discover the strategies of digital leaders, emerging disruptors, and transforming incumbents, giving you exclusive access to innovations shaping industries worldwide.

Through executive exchanges and hands-on guidance, you’ll work on your own ecosystem strategy, identifying opportunities tailored to your unique business needs. You’ll leave the program equipped with an actionable plan, plus the strategic skills and confidence to grow your business and make a lasting impact in the digital age.

Gain AI-driven insights

Achieve greater customer connection, bigger efficiencies, and scale with AI.

Deep dive into cutting-edge frameworks

Discover the flywheel ecosystem framework along with the advanced AI-driven analytical models.

Explore diverse ecosystems strategies

Learn from the digital ecosystem strategies of Nestlé, Ping An, Geely, Nike, and Bayer TikTok, NIO, and Temu.

Connect with an exclusive network

Connect with thought leaders, scaling entrepreneurs, and practitioners leading digital and AI transformation.

This program is part of our broader portfolio of AI & digital programs for executives , designed to equip leaders with the capabilities and confidence to turn AI and digital innovation into business impact.

Programme Content

Building Digital Ecosystems

The digital ecosystem advantage

Introduction

AI-powered ecosystem strategy framework

B2C ecosystems

Real-life ecosystems

Reflection

Building an ecosystem

Ecosystems and stakeholder management

The transforming incumbent

Reflection

Ecosystem leadership

B2B ecosystems

Ecosystem engine

Reflection

Leadership tension in ecosystems

Ecosystems and AI

Ecosystem execution

Reflection

What’s next? Future of ecosystems for your organization

All content is subject to change.

Testimonials

"I engaged with a remarkable group of professionals. Faculty shared captivating case studies, and thought-provoking insights. We explored the significance of establishing a robust core within the ecosystem, supported by a resilient, scalable digital framework that connects all components. We highlighted effective governance, the human factor, and the development of a cohesive incentive structure to facilitate a win-win scenario to ensure sustainability and minimize friction. All are critical for successful implementation."

Abdullah Althawad

Data Analytics Senior Director, Takamol Holding , Saudi Arabia

"Very intensive learning with real cases and practical examples. My key takeaways are that an ecosystem is the new winning formula to create value for customers, for business and for partners. It’s win-win-win! Legacy firms need to think of a digital ecosystem as new business model instead of a pure digital/ technology play. And basic business fundamentals still apply in the digital world, so be very clear on what’s the core offering, what’s the ‘job to be done’ for customers."

Lu Zheng

Head of Value-Based Partnerships and Digital Health, Europe & Canada, Takeda, Switzerland

"I highly recommend this program to everyone who’s building digital strategies for their business. IMD brings in top industry practitioners to give you deep insights into high-performing digital ecosystem players and newcomers from US and China. In the era of digital transformation for all business globally, it is either building your digital ecosystem or being a part of one. The program is very well designed and delivered."

Eric Gao

Founder and CEO, BMYG Financial Group, Australia

"Amazing week of learning, gaining valuable new frameworks to structure how we think about customer value creation, starting with an organization’s core capabilities and leveraging partnerships in a meaningful way. Thank you to the professors for your insights and tying the frameworks to real-world examples. Cannot wait to use these learnings for our team and strategic customers."

Nilesh Ghaisas

Digital Strategy and Transformation Leader, Salesforce, Switzerland

"This program enables you to understand the concepts of successful ecosystems. You gain a lot of insights by understanding how advanced China is at digital transformations and building digital ecosystems, so that you can establish your own ecosystem."

Juan Manuel Santiago Mendez

CEO, Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics UK; Head of Logistics, Cluster UK & SA

"Building Digital Ecosystems is of unique value to those responsible for designing and executing ecosystems strategies, enabling growth of the core business and introducing new products and services."

Marek Stawinski

Founder & CEO, NaviParking, United Arab Emirates

Testimonial Source