Digital twin business ecosystems: Preconditions and benefits for service business

In recent years, digital twins have been raised as enablers for several new service business opportunities for manufacturing companies as well as their service providers. However, these companies often need to consider an ecosystem-based approach in the development of their service business related to digital twins. By combining the examination of digital twin–based service opportunities in the manufacturing industry and recent perspectives on digital business ecosystems, we aim to clarify what kind of preconditions, challenges and benefits must be considered when designing digital twin business ecosystems. The empirical study is conducted as a multiple case study in six companies; digital twin utilizers in the manufacturing industry and companies representing their service and technology providers. The results indicate that at its best, a digital twin business ecosystem is based on open collaboration and provides inter-organizational value for its members. However, there are many preconditions and challenges to be tackled in ecosystem design, such as willingness to be open and share data, and the technological fit of solutions and systems within the ecosystem. In addition, formulating shared goals between participating companies and adopting a customer-oriented approach were identified as key preconditions for a successful digital twin business ecosystem.