Abstract
The current paper seeks to develop existing theories around innovation ecosystems, where a major focus has been the relationships between and within firms in established ecosystems. The paper extends current research to consider the manner in which new business ecosystems develop to support innovation and strategic choice. Using case study methodology to explore keystone innovations within a French SME, the concept of « keystone innovations » is introduced and a Cytoscape model of the e-book business in France developed. Results indicate direct implications for both innovation theory and management which are explored here as the basis for future research. The originality of this work lies partly in its acceptance that new business ecosystems develop to support innovation and in the exploration of their development reported.