Difference between partnerships and ecosystems:
Partnerships - 2 parties enter into a relationship that benefits both sides
Ecosystem - 1 party (aka platform or aggregator) enters into a relationship with many parties (aka developers or partners) that benefits 3 parties: platform owner, developer and end users (aka shared customers).
Partnerships require aligned incentives to be durable. Everyone must create and receive value, and the value exchange must be relatively equal.
2-party agreements are common and simple to manage, as long as the contract is clear and incentives remain aligned over time.
Ecosystems are complicated and harder to manage. Aligning incentives between 3 parties requires finesse and active management. All 3 parties must create and receive value, and value exchange must remain stable over time.
Partnerships can advance business interests: 1+1=3. Every company should look for these.
Ecosystems can create massive value: 1+many+many=infinite upside. Only platform-minded companies can pull this off.
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