Boundaries

Definition & Concepts

Boundaries are objective limits, natural and stable of an ecosystem (consumption, equipments, ...), material or immaterial. The most stable boundaries are called the ultimate bordaries, where events the concept of which is long-lasting occur (which will always occur even if the technology, the company, evolve): accident, pension(retreat), obsolescence, creation of a service … The boundaries assemble in a polygon of activity (Mandel's Polygon) typical of the ecosystem.

Most of the boundaries are "exogenous": they preexist before the ecosystem. However the ecosystem can define a boundary: by creating an offer for example. Besides, we can define internal boundaries in the ecosystem to formalize exchanges of the goods and services between the various logics of transformation.

The search for boundaries is a key-exercise to objectivize the invariants of the business. It is thus necessary to try to position the most stable boundary.

The dynamic lives of every boundary, the "biorhythm" which shows itself there, are determining. Dynamics founders of the business and the contribution of the ecosystem. They give rhythm to the transformations, orchestrate the interactions between the participants in the ecosystem, preside over the stream and over the stocks of materials, services, information.

Graphic representation

Internal boundary

External boundary

Elements of syntax

• Ensure to set the most stable boundary (ie the boundary pushed to its limits). This is the ultimate boundary, and it allows you to display all possible contributions.

Check List

• There are at least two "borders" within an ecosystem, the resource side and the destinations

Examples

• Delivery
• Shipping
• Creation of supply
• Sale
• Acquisition of new markets
• ...