The Maker-Platform Eco-system Model in Internet Environment: A Case Study of Haier

Abstract

Enterprises can adapt themselves to a dynamic environment by conducting product innovation and management innovation. In this paper, however, we think that enterprises have to engage in management innovation, but not merely product innovation in Internet environment. In case study of Haier, we conclude that its management innovation process, which experiencing bureaucracy triangle structure, inverted triangle structure, eventually maker-platform eco-system mode, meeting the requirements of the Internet environment. As three key nodes of the maker-platform eco-system, open-source platform provide resources for the existence of eco-system, diversified small-micro businesses offer the ecosystem with vitality and Internet facility is essential to upgradation of the ecosystem. At last, we discuss the potential implications of this new model to transformation of large businesses and establishment of maker-platform, as well as some issues that may hinder the positive effects of this model.