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Article

Cross-Category Innovation Strategy and Evolution of Digital Platform Ecosystems: A Technology-Driven Perspective

1
School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
2
School of Economics and Management, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin City 132012, China
3
School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5113; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115113
Submission received: 10 May 2025 / Revised: 28 May 2025 / Accepted: 2 June 2025 / Published: 2 June 2025

Abstract

Digital platform ecosystems confront critical management challenges as they overcome path dependence amid rapid technological change. This study explores cross-category innovation as a key strategic action, using a longitudinal case study of ByteDance to analyze how digital technology drives ecosystem evolution, and constructs a “technology-driven–strategic action–ecosystem evolution” framework to examine the interplay between technological capabilities and strategic actions. Findings identify two stages: in the category emergence stage, platforms establish a core business ecosystem via identity, legitimacy, and differentiation strategies, leveraging technologies like algorithmic recommendation to shape user cognition and market legitimacy. In the category spanning stage, platforms leverage platform envelopment, open innovation, and status strategies to expand cross-category ecosystems, enabling technological spillover and integrated innovation across new domains. The findings reveal a co-evolution mechanism of cross-category innovation strategy and ecosystems, where the cross-category innovation strategy serves as both a driving force for ecosystem evolution and acquires new strategic opportunities. This study offers insights for building sustainable ecosystems that transcend industry boundaries and enhance resilience.
Keywords: digital platform ecosystems; cross-category innovation; platform strategy; category evolution digital platform ecosystems; cross-category innovation; platform strategy; category evolution

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MDPI and ACS Style

Sun, S.; Gu, B.; Tang, F. Cross-Category Innovation Strategy and Evolution of Digital Platform Ecosystems: A Technology-Driven Perspective. Sustainability 2025, 17, 5113. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115113

AMA Style

Sun S, Gu B, Tang F. Cross-Category Innovation Strategy and Evolution of Digital Platform Ecosystems: A Technology-Driven Perspective. Sustainability. 2025; 17(11):5113. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115113

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sun, Shuo, Bing Gu, and Fangcheng Tang. 2025. "Cross-Category Innovation Strategy and Evolution of Digital Platform Ecosystems: A Technology-Driven Perspective" Sustainability 17, no. 11: 5113. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115113

APA Style

Sun, S., Gu, B., & Tang, F. (2025). Cross-Category Innovation Strategy and Evolution of Digital Platform Ecosystems: A Technology-Driven Perspective. Sustainability, 17(11), 5113. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115113

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