DJI: How to Design an Innovation Ecosystem

In February 2023, SZ Dà-Jiāng Innovations Science and Technology Co. Ltd. (DJI) was included in the list of the “Top 100 Global Innovators.” At the same time, the 200-metre DJI Sky Pixel—the world’s first asymmetrical suspension steel structure ultra-high-rise building—was achieving remarkable success in the 2023 China Architectural Awards. The building seemed to symbolize DJI’s meteoric rise. In 2023, DJI was a leading company in the global drone industry. From DJI’s inception in 2006 to the first University Student Robot Training Camp in 2013, and up to its current status in 2023, DJI had dedicated 17 years to the development and perfection of drones and more than a decade to the field of education. In its early days, DJI had to overcome serious technical challenges to achieve astonishing success and navigate the strong competition in the market. In 2023, the biggest hurdle DJI was facing was global trade tensions. What other issues were awaiting DJI on its path forward?

This case is suitable courses in innovation management, entrepreneurship, strategy, and information systems at the undergraduate, graduate, and academic master’s levels. This case helps students understand the importance and nature of innovation, how to master the roles and functions of constituent parts in an innovative ecosystem, and how to govern those relationships. Students are encouraged to consider how high-technology enterprises that operate within an innovative ecosystem can promote technological innovation through the flow of knowledge to resolve core technological bottlenecks. As well, students address traditional problems that are encountered in cultivating innovative talent from higher education institutions. Finally, students learn about the value and significance of an enterprise-centred innovative talent cultivation model. <br><br>After completion of this case and assignment questions, students will be able to:<br><br><ul><li>develop an in-depth understanding of enterprise innovations;</li><li>articulate the structure, membership, and functional roles of innovation ecosystems;</li><li>understand the importance of collaboration and value co-creation in innovation ecosystems; and</li><li>learn the best practices for integrating external knowledge and achieving sustained innovation.</li></ul>

• innovation ecosystem
• collaborative innovation
• knowledge management
• business model transformation