Ecosystem Mapping

What it is

Ecosystem Mapping is a standardised approach to analysing & aligning organisations, using the Ecosystem Mapping Framework.

The Ecosystem Mapping Framework comprises six elements:

Together these elements create one system, coordinating internal & external stakeholders to reach an organisation's key objective.

Ecosystem Mapping requires an organisation:

is singular in its objective, forcing it to prioritise one goal above all others
is explicit about its operating principles for achieving that objective & the boundaries it chooses to impose on them (knowing what you will NEVER do is as important as knowing what you will ALWAYS do)
identifies its stakeholders in achieving the objective, including those who currently present barriers & may be inclined to resist
investigates each stakeholder’s perception & understanding of its risks & rewards
defines how stakeholders anticipate being changed if the objective is met and finding the positive case for that change
considers the incentives & controls the organisation needs in place with each type of stakeholder to make it a partnership supporting the objective
prioritises such partners by type, choosing one example of each key type to begin with

An Objective defines why an ecosystem of stakeholders must exist.

Ecosystem Mapping places your Objective at the centre of you and your Partners’ activities.

An Objective should be clear, precise and important enough to Partners to build Relationships with you.

Principles underpin an Ecosystem as its key rules.

They give reassurance through consistency over time and equal applicability to you and all Partners.

3-5 Principles are typically sufficient.

Boundaries describe an Ecosytem’s limits of activity and scope.

Within the Boundaries the Principles apply.

Beyond the Boundaries the only restraint is to not act to undermine the Ecosystem.

Partners are the stakeholders and participants in an Ecosystem.

Stakeholder characteristics are grouped into Partner types, such as by role, or business model.

An Ecosystem typically comprises 5-7 Partner types, with anything from 1 to many Partners per type.

Barriers are external or Partner interests or gaps that prevent attainment of an Objective.

Identifying Barriers helps identify Partner types.

Ecosystem Mapping allows you to systematically resolve Barriers within the applicable Partner Relationship.

Relationships with Partners are used to align them to the Principles and the Objective.

Relationships contain necessary incentives and controls for both You and your Partners to manage each of your risks and rewards.

They should be binding to the extent necessary to uphold Principles and surmount Barriers.