From their research on digital initiatives at 30 organizations, the authors have identified four key practice areas that businesses should focus on to advance their strategic data-sharing capabilities. Using specific examples from Schneider Electric, Elevance Health, and other companies they studied, they describe how strategic data-sharing practices can help businesses better cocreate with customers, engage in novel partnerships, and pursue opportunities in digital ecosystems.

To drive growth in digital ecosystems, companies need to develop two partnering capabilities: digital readiness and curation. Digital readiness requires that ecosystem value is distinctive and that partners are digitally organized and connected via technology such as APIs. Curation requires that ecosystem partners share joint goals, benefits, and information. Both capabilities are positively correlated with higher ecosystem market share and higher revenues.