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When IT Providers Become Your Innovation Partners
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When IT Providers Become Your Innovation Partners

Heiner Himmelreich, Hrishi Hrishikesh, Ilan Oshri, Anthony Vlasic and Evelien Scherp
Boston Consulting Group, 2022
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As digital solutions become increasingly necessary, companies are relying on their IT service providers for more than just plug-and-play solutions. The best IT providers are shifting into the role of innovation partners, and leading companies aren’t just partnering with them, they’re bringing all types of service providers together in creative, results-driven vendor innovation ecosystems (VIEs). In this special report, the Boston Consulting Group presents VIE lessons gleaned from a 2021 global survey of about 200 organizations.

Summary

A vendor innovation ecosystem (VIE) can provide the expertise and specialized capabilities that lead to innovative new digital solutions.

Most companies are scrambling to address the need for digital products, cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions, which are now a vital aspect of nearly every industry, a fact that became even clearer during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, decisions regarding IT service providers tended to center on efficiency, but now CIOs and CDOs of leading companies are prioritizing innovation. Unfortunately, only about 10% of companies are happy with the solutions provided by their IT service providers.  

So how does a company spur innovation in these areas, particularly when it comes to their relationships with IT service providers? Veering away from traditional partnerships...

About the Authors

Heiner Himmelreich, Hrishi Hrishikesh, Anthony Vlasic and Evelien Scherp are professionals with the Boston Consulting Group. Ilan Oshri is a professor of technology and globalization at the University of Auckland Business School.

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