METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE RESEARCH OF DIGITAL ECOSYSTEMS IN THE MODERN ECONOMY

Abstract

Introduction. In the modern economy, digital transformation is driving the emergence of new models of interaction between economic entities, the state, consumers, and digital platforms. Under these conditions, digital ecosystems are becoming an important organizational and economic form that brings together economic agents, data, technological infrastructure, institutional rules, and coordination mechanisms. At the same time, the scientific literature lacks a unified approach to interpreting the essence of digital ecosystems, defining their boundaries, structural elements, and criteria for identification, which complicates their comprehensive study. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to develop the theoretical and methodological foundations for researching digital ecosystems in the modern economy by clarifying their essential characteristics, structural and functional parameters, and principles of formation and development, as well as justifying a holistic approach to analyzing their economic nature, the architecture interaction of actors, and functional role in the context of digital transformation. Methods. This study employs systemic, structural-functional, network, platform, institutional, process-based, and strategic approaches. The methodological foundation of the study is a theoretical synthesis of contemporary scientific approaches to the analysis of digital ecosystems. Results. The concept of a “digital ecosystem” has been clarified, and it has been demonstrated that traditional approaches to economic analysis do not allow for a full understanding of the nature of digital interactions, platform logic, network effects, and mechanisms of co-creation of value. The feasibility of developing a comprehensive methodological framework that integrates various analytical approaches into a unified research logic has been substantiated. The essential-categorical, structural, functional, strategic, and outcome levels of digital ecosystem analysis have been identified. A sequence of stages for their comprehensive study is proposed: from identifying the boundaries and participants of the ecosystem to assessing strategic effects, competitive advantages, and scaling opportunities. Conclusion. It has been demonstrated that digital ecosystems should be viewed as one of the leading forms of organization in the modern digital economy, and their study should be based on a comprehensive methodology. The practical significance of the proposed approach lies in its versatility and adaptability to the analysis of ecosystems of various types and industry-specific orientations. The authors suggest that future research focus on developing applied tools for assessing the effectiveness of digital ecosystems, measuring network effects, digital trust, platform stability, and the impact of the ecosystem model on competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable economic development.