Value Co-creation in the Digital Health Ecosystem: A Study on Collaborative Management Mechanisms Between Medical Institutions and Technology Enterprises

Abstract

The digital transformation of healthcare is fostering the emergence of complex ecosystems where traditional boundaries blur. The collaboration between medical institutions and technology firms is crucial for innovation, yet it is often hampered by divergent goals, operational cultures, and governance challenges. While value co-creation in service ecosystems is a established concept, research on the specific management mechanisms that enable and sustain successful collaboration between healthcare providers and tech companies remains fragmented. Existing literature often describes technological outcomes but fails to dissect the underlying managerial and governance processes that facilitate synergistic partnership. This study employs a qualitative multi-case study design, analyzing collaborative projects between hospitals and tech enterprises within China’s digital health landscape. Data is drawn from in-depth documentary analysis of project reports, white papers, and public disclosures, interpreted through the theoretical lens of service-dominant logic and ecosystem governance. The research identifies three core synergistic management mechanisms: a trust-based governance mechanism for data sharing and intellectual property, an agile cross-functional teaming mechanism for iterative product development, and a value-based incentive alignment mechanism for equitable benefit distribution. These mechanisms form an integrated system that enables partners to navigate uncertainties and co-create value effectively. Theoretically, this study contributes a novel framework that specifies the managerial micro-foundations of value co-creation in digital health ecosystems. Practically, it offers a actionable blueprint for hospital administrators and tech leaders to structure their partnerships, mitigate collaboration risks, and ultimately accelerate the delivery of innovative healthcare solutions.