Uncovering the role of external APIs in driving dynamic ecosystem growth

Abstract

Purpose This study highlights the crucial role of external APIs in driving dynamic evolution within a digital ecosystem. Drawing on the concept of evolutionary network biology perspective, this study hypothesizes that APIs' (non)network properties can significantly impact a digital ecosystem's product variety. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes plug-in source code data from WordPress.org between January 2004 and December 2014, using survival analysis to test this hypothesis. Findings The empirical results demonstrate that external APIs have a more significant impact on promoting ecosystem evolution over time than those offered by a focal platform system. This research enhances our understanding of ecosystem dynamics and emphasizes the critical role of the generative nature of APIs in fostering ecosystem growth.