Linking Business Ecosystem and Natural Ecosystem Together—A Sustainable Pathway for Future Industrialization
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This paper explores the linkage betwen business ecosystem and natural ecosystem by discussing the future development pathway of China's manufacturing. Overall the research aim and objectives are. The theory framework is well-presented with details of discussion.
Here are some concerns:
- The authors mentioned multiple case studies and Yin's case study design in the abstract. However, these cases are not presented in the main context. I would suggest the authors to explain more of the research methodology, and present a summary of the case findings (e.g. with a table of summary)
- The IE3 framework the main theory contribution. I would suggest the authors to further add the practical or policy implication of the study in the conclusion session. Can the framework be generalized?
Other minor concerns:
- The abstract is a little long.
- A clear definiation of business ecosystem in this research context.
- Line 127: IEshi'lao3 framework?
- Please follow the JOItmC reference system for in-text citation and reference list.
Author Response
Reply to the Reviewer
Many thanks for Reviewer to share with us the precious comments and opinions. We have revised our draft accordingly and our reply (in Italic and underlined) to comments are in-lined as follow:
Here are some concerns:
- The authors mentioned multiple case studies and Yin's case study design in the abstract. However, these cases are not presented in the main context. I would suggest the authors to explain more of the research methodology, and present a summary of the case findings (e.g. with a table of summary)
Both of the cases, British Sugar and Chunchi Glass, are presented briefly within the Session 3. And in the revised abstract we restated the research methodology adopted.
- The IE3 framework the main theory contribution. I would suggest the authors to further add the practical or policy implication of the study in the conclusion session. Can the framework be generalized?
The practical and policy implication of the IE3 framework has been further discussed in our revised version, in Session 5 Implication and Conclusion, from Line 351 to Line 365. We are convinced that the framework could be generalized as the three practical implications we gave: 1st, the three modules in IE3 can individually provide functional solution to some of the cutting-edge problems; 2nd, the sub-modules within these three modules can be shared and reused; 3rd, the major three modules can be reused in many scenarios.
Other minor concerns:
- The abstract is a little long.
The abstract has been revised and shorten.
- A clear definiation of business ecosystem in this research context.
In the revised version, an initial business ecosystem definition is provided in the Session 2 from Line 105 to Line 107, which is the general BE definition. And after the presentation of our research, a clear/revised definition of BE in the specific sustainability context is also provided at the end of Session 4, from Line 345 to Line 349.
- Line 127: IEshi'lao3 framework?
It has been revised to "IE3 framework"
- Please follow the JOItmC reference system for in-text citation and reference list.
The in-text citation and reference list have been revised accordingly.
Reviewer 2 Report
The article is proposing new framework and paradigm for future manufacturing system. IE3 (Industrial Ecology, Industrial Engineering, Innovation/Entrepreneurship) framework gives meaningful insights for sustainable manufacturing, and it also well guides future way of Chinese manufacturing and Global economy.
I appreciate the value of the article and happy to review the study. But, I still have a minor suggestion for author.
Open Innovation (OI) is new paradigm and new solution to overcome the limits of capitalism. Environmental damage from massive manufacturing is also a important part of the limits of capitalism.
I suggest for the author to include some related articles about Open Innovation(OI) as reference, especially from Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity(JOI), or from special issues of SOI (Society of Open Innovation) Conference published in important journal such as TFSC, STS, Sustainability, EPS.
I am very glad to review this most valuable study, and sincerely hope for the author to include my suggestion.
Author Response
Many thanks for Reviewer to share with us the precious comments and opinions. We have revised our draft accordingly and our reply (in Italic) to comments are in-lined as follow:
"I appreciate the value of the article and happy to review the study. But, I still have a minor suggestion for author.
Open Innovation (OI) is new paradigm and new solution to overcome the limits of capitalism. Environmental damage from massive manufacturing is also a important part of the limits of capitalism.
I suggest for the author to include some related articles about Open Innovation(OI) as reference, especially from Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity(JOI), or from special issues of SOI (Society of Open Innovation) Conference published in important journal such as TFSC, STS, Sustainability, EPS."
As suggested, we have reviewed the related papers from Journal of Open Innovation with themes on industrial engineering, industrial ecology and innovation & entrepreneurship, this part of review has been added in Session 3.1, from Line 161 to 173.
