Two highly contrasting discourses emphasize collective benefits, high market efficiency, and socio-economic growth related to technology development. On the one hand, research on “ecosystems” highlights the value and role of technological interdependencies and technology-specific investments while, on the other hand, the literature on “innovation policy” advocates for technology-neutral or agnostic approaches. Drawing from qualitative, embedded case studies and several illustrative examples, this paper integrates the largely disconnected discourses on ecosystems and innovation policy. We provide nuanced implications for policymakers looking to balance societal relevance and economic viability. We argue that an effective innovation policy is vital for overcoming different ecosystem bottlenecks. Our study offers implications for policymakers who struggle to balance market-driven dynamics with societal interests in a landscape characterized by rapid technological development and constantly evolving ecosystems.
