Ecosystem Evolution, Ecosystem Generativity, and AI: Implications for Strategic Management

Organizers:

• Tammy L. Madsen (lead), Professor of Strategy and Innovation and W. M. Keck Foundation Chair, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University and Academy of Management President-elect.
• Riitta Katila, W. M. Keck Sr. Professor of Management Science, Faculty Director of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program and HAI Sabbatical Scholar at Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Stanford University
• Melissa A. Schilling, Herzog Family Professor of Management, Deputy Chair of the Management & Organizations Department, and Director, Fubon Center Tech Innovation Initiative, New York University.
• Jennifer Woolley, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University.

The explosion of interest in ecosystems and artificial intelligence (AI) reflects a fundamental shift in how firms innovate and compete in an increasingly interconnected world. The processes of ecosystem evolution and generativity coupled with rapid advancements in AI are shaping the strategic landscape by redefining how firms create, capture, and distribute value. Both ecosystem evolution and generativity are influenced by shifts in autonomous actors’ strategies and behaviors, as well as changes in key ecosystem dynamics—including complementarities, interdependencies, bottlenecks, actor interactions, technologies, markets, and macro-environmental conditions. AI, as both an enabler and a disruptor, has the potential to accelerate ecosystem evolution and generativity by providing data-driven insights, uncovering novel associations, automating decision-making, redefining ways of working, and unlocking new sources of value. As firms and platforms navigate this complexity, understanding the mechanisms that drive heterogeneity in ecosystem transformation is essential for advancing strategic management.

By bringing together prominent scholars and executives in the heart of Silicon Valley, this SMS Extension aims to push the frontiers of research on ecosystem evolution, ecosystem generativity, and AI, deepening our understanding of their implications for strategic management. Panel discussions and presentations will feature leading experts who have shaped the field’s understanding of ecosystems, alongside those exploring the intersection of AI and strategy. Participants will engage in rigorous discussions, gain exposure to cutting-edge research and industry perspectives, and collaboratively define future research directions at the nexus of ecosystems, AI, and strategic management.

Key Takeaways:

• Not all ecosystems are created equal—how does heterogeneity in purpose and structure shape orchestration strategies?
• Beyond well-trodden paths—where do current frameworks fall short in explaining ecosystem evolution?
• Understanding ecosystem evolution requires moving beyond linear models—how do emergent dynamics and feedback loops reshape competitive landscapes?
• AI is not just an enabler but a collaborator — how does AI-augmented decision-making fundamentally alter our traditional approaches to value creation and strategy development?
• How do we unlock new forms of generativity and how do we measure it beyond counting?
• As ecosystems become more dominant, regulatory scrutiny increases—how will new policies redefine platform governance and strategic decision-making?

Date and Time: Friday, October 10, 2025 at 9:30AM – 5:00PM PDT

Location: Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University (SCU)

Registration Fees:

• SMS Members: $150.00 USD
• Non-Members: $165.00 USD

Program:

Panel/Paper Session: Ecosystem Evolution: What do we know? What do we not know?

• Melissa Schilling (NYU), Erkko Autio (Imperial College London), Carliss Baldwin (HBS)
• Moderator/Session Chair: Michael Leiblein, OSU

Panel/Paper Session: Ecosystem Generativity and Ecosystem Regulation: Beyond the Basics

• Llewellyn Thomas (U. of Sydney), Carmello Cennamo (CBS), Joost Rietveld (UCL School of Management), Milan Miric (USC)
• Moderator/Session Chair: Melissa Schilling (NYU)

Panel Session: AI and Strategy

• Ram Bala (SCU, AI Lab co-Director ) + 3 Executives
• Moderator: Tammy L. Madsen (SCU)

Panel/Paper Session: AI, Strategy, and Organizations: Redefining Value Creation

• Riitta Katila (Stanford U.), Adele Xing (SCU), Natarajan Balasubramanian (Syracuse U.), Michael Jacobides (LBS)
• Moderator/Chair: Jennifer Woolley (SCU)

Panel/Paper Session: Ecosystem Heterogeneity and Orchestration: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Strategic Opportunities for Navigating Complexity

• Annabelle Gawer (U. of Surrey), David Clough (UBC), Tammy L. Madsen (SCU), Dovev Lavie (Bocconi U)
• Moderator/Chair: Cathy Maritan (Syracuse U.)

Travel to SCU:

• Airports
  • SJC: San Jose Mineta International Airport ~ 10-15 minutes from SCU
  • SFO: San Francisco International Airport ~ about a 1 hour drive to SCU

• Ground Transportation
  • From SFO via Caltrain ~ 1 hour train ride. A Caltrain station (at 4^th and King Street, SF) is about a 15 min walk from the Hilton in Union Square and a Caltrain station is located across the street from Santa Clara University. The program start time (9:30am) and end time (5:30) are designed to accommodate attendees traveling to/from SFO via Caltrain.
  • Uber or Driving: ~ 1 hour depending on traffic

Hotels:

• Located across the street from the main campus entrance: Sonesta Simply Suites Silicon Valley (note this hotel is adjacent to the train station so, ask for a room on the non-train side of the building).
• Other Options:
  • Hotel Valencia in Santana Row, ~15 minute drive to campus
  • Hotels in downtown San Jose ~ about a 20 minute drive to campus (check maps)