The concept of a need-driven ecosystem and its application to mobility

Abstract

Individual mobility has been a vital need of human beings ever since. Countless innovations have increased the naturally given possibilities to move from one location to another. These typically being as fast, safe and comfortable as possible. Equipment such as horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, cars or airplanes have been invented and continuously developed over centuries. Besides that services for orientation, navigation, planning or insuring as well as devices for entertainment and communication have been added. Various sources of energy are powering this mobility. The band starts from the brawn of animals continued to the chemically stored energy in crude oil and further to an increased use of electrical energy gained from renewable sources. In order to provide and satisfy the need for modern mobility various products, parts, devices and data are necessary as well numerous players and stakeholders are involved. In the past major changes and innovations had been pushed by the providers of the equipment such as car manufacturers. However, at present and even more in the future it appears like prerequisites for such change have altered significantly due to the increased complexity of the context. The next major steps might be driven by integration of products and needs as well as the best access of services for the individual aiming for mobility. To understand the overarching interdependencies and impacts of all relevant products, services and players this paper proposes the metaphor of a Need-driven Ecosystem. In such ecosystem interdependencies, the continued development, resource competition, technical innovation and its impact on societies and individuals can be depicted, and better understood by role-players. Such approach will assist researchers in detecting interdependencies and impacts of their work better. An application to understand the complexities of individual mobility in a Mobility Ecosystem are shown.