Digital Ecosystems

The digital ecosystems are increasingly structuring our economic, political and social life. It is not only that some large digital platforms have organized many economic sectors such as shopping and entertainment but they have wide reaching macroeconomic impacts as well as ability to challenge essence of democratic politics. Digital ecosystems have been emerging in one form or another since the mid-1990s. Economics and management scholars started to tackle platforms in the late 1990s and in the 2000s. Now we talk about the rise of new digital ecosystems with far reaching economic, political, cultural and social consequences. The use of ecosystems allows avoiding economic determinism where “economy” determines developments in other areas. Economy does not operate in a vacuum but is interdependent with politics, culture and society. Economy cannot be decoupled of politics, culture and social issues.

Digital businesses have direct impact on and politics has impact on platform businesses. Facebook business model came under scrutiny in the 2016 United States presidential elections because alleged manipulation of this platform by the Russian troll farms. Countries have different regulatory approaches to platform business models. Some countries are very open and facilitative. Some countries try to ban, regulate and design specific tax policies vis-à-vis platforms. Some countries try to navigate on a balanced course by welcoming some platforms but banning others. For instance, Denmark allows Airbnb to operate but not Uber and other ride-sharing companies.

Digital ecosystems face uncertain future – particularly in the long run. It is not clear at all what kind of platform ecosystem model will dominate in the future or whether there will be one universal single model. It is likely that different approaches will emerge for structuring these digital ecosystems as a result of interaction of politics, economics and social issues. These ecosystems are not technologically pre-determined. Hence, the nano degree “Digital Ecosystems” tackles economics, culture, politics, ethics, governance, law, security and institutional frameworks which are fundamental for structuring digital ecosystems.

Objective

The aim of this module is to provide knowledge on how organisations use, manage and exploit digital technology to improve the performance of their business in today’s digital ecosystems whilst avoiding inherent risks incurred by digital change and innovation.

Lecturers

• Meelis Kitsing
• Madeleine Bausch
• Mari Kooskora
• Triin Siil

Subjects within the nanodegree

• Economics and Politics of Digital Ecosystems (3 ECTS) - 26.08.20 and 7.10.20
• Culture and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems (3 ECTS) -  9.09.20 and 23.09.20
• Legal Issues in Digital Era (3 ECTS) - 21.10.20; 4.11.20; 18.11.20 and 2.12.20 
• Ethics and Sustainability in Digital Era (3 ECTS)  - 21.10.20; 4.11.20; 18.11.20 and 2.12.20
• Capstone project (3 ECTS) 16.12.20

Learning outcomes

This module provides you sound knowledge and skills in:

• Economic, legal, political and security aspects of digital ecosystems
• Understanding the organisational and social aspects of digital ecosystems, and the complex interplay between people, business processes and digital technologies in organisations
• Developing and implementing strategies for companies and other organisations in digital ecosystems
• Understanding and managing the complexity of digital ecosystems with the ability to make informed and timely decisions

Price

Price for the full module: 2250 €

10% discount applies for alumni.
It is possible to buy each course separately. 

Paying in two or more parts 35 € will be added to the total sum.

Prerequisites

• Interests for digital ecosystems and how organizations use, manage and exploit digital technology
• Bachelor degree and minimum 3-year working experience in the business, economics or entrepreneurship 
• or bachelor degree in business, management, economics 
• Master sufficient proficiency in English (B2)
• send us CV or LinkedIn profile
• Passed consultation with EBS consultant

EBS alumni can go to my.ebs.ee and add the full module or course into the cart.

Registration and shop

• For EBS alumni or previous open university participants, please use your current EBS account (previously named OIS account). If you do not remember it contact with it@ebs.ee 
• For the prospective learner, please fill the registration form  and register to the consultation