The formation of many such strategic alliances is already to be seen in
numerous other areas: the potential in the “internet of things” – to give concrete
examples, the linking of technologies in the areas of the smart car, smart grid,
smart home, smart city and smart “everything” – can only be maximised by
applying the logic of breaking down the traditional barriers between sectors.29
The bundling of differing competences as offered by the respective market
players thus creates a (digital) ecosystem that can benefit every market
participant. The merging of the respective competences, harmonised via open
technological interfaces, is actually the key to the success of strategic alliances.
After all, valuable competences in the shape of specific experience, skills or
abilities are combinable for all market participants in some form or another and
in differing intensities: