From Co-Creation to Digital Servitization in Innovation Ecosystems

Understanding how innovation ecosystems drive value creation is central to innovation management. This study analyzes literature from the Web of Science with CiteSpace, mapping research evolution, collaboration networks, knowledge structure, and emerging trends. Findings reveal that research has expanded globally, with the US, Europe, and China as central hubs aligned with local innovation strategies. Europe shows strong internal collaboration, while China's role as a global connector remains developing. Keyword analysis highlights hotspots including value co-creation, business models and strategy, platform competition, digital transformation, and open innovation, forming an integrated framework of objectives, pathways, context, drivers, and support. The field has evolved from focusing on competition and performance to service ecosystems and platforms, and now emphasizes digital servitization, big data, cooperative mechanisms, and equitable value distribution. This study offers a comprehensive map to guide future research.