The Ecosystem Economy makes the case that the entire structure of the global economy is changing from one defined by clearly delineated industry sectors to one of sector-crossing ecosystems. Thisis an ambitious book. It begins with bold claims and then proposes major changes that large corporations should make to every aspect of how they operate. Clearly, such changes will be challenging without the help of a consulting firm like McKinsey, the firm that the authors represent.
As a strategy executive for Fortune 500 companies, I have worked with all of the top-tier consulting firms. Every few years, these firms like to come up with a big idea that their brightest thought leaders can then write a book about. This book becomes a very effective marketing tool. When a partner gives the book to a client (or potential client), it provides something meaningful to talk about and another opportunity to propose an engagement related to the topic of the book.
In the review linked below, I describe how 20 years ago, when I led strategy at a F500 company, we built our entire strategy around the hypotheses in a similar book. I describe the positives and challenges of doing so. I also share specifically what The Ecosystem Economy is about and why you might want to read it.