Synergies and complementarities of digital innovation ecosystems in the smart territory development process

The concept of smart territories (ST) is a relatively new phenomenon that emerged in the scientific literature as an extension of the smart city (SC) concept and in opposition to it (Navío-Marco et al., 2020). Digital Innovation Ecosystems (DIEs) provide opportunities and pose new challenges related to the interaction between citizens, organizations, and the territories acting in a smart environment. In the scientific discourse, the ongoing expansion of the concept of SC to ST and the development of the phenomenon of DIEs are two parallel trends, with still a lack of scientific evidence on the full-fledged interaction between them for the successful sustainable development of the territories. This dissertation aims at investigating and finding solutions to this knowledge gap. The objectives of this research are: 1. to provide a conceptualization and definition of DIEs; 2. to get an in-depth understanding of the ST concept; 3. to build a comprehensive model of the interaction between DIEs and ST; 4. to provide an overview of the application of the DIE-ST interaction model in real-life conditions. Using a qualitative approach, the research consists of four main phases. Systematic literature reviews on the DIE and ST concepts are conducted in order to gain an understanding of the phenomena under consideration. Once the definitions and dimensions of DIE and ST are identified, the research proceeds to their mutual confrontation in order to formulate a DIE-ST interaction model. Case-study of the DIE-ST interplay provides an overview of the application of the DIE-ST model in real-life conditions; interviews with the stakeholders of the territory gain feedback on the DIE-ST interaction model and reveal the shared understanding of the ST, the current state of adoption of digital technologies and DIEs for the development of STs. The findings of this dissertation contribute to advancing knowledge in the fields of digital transformation and regional development while offering useful managerial implications.