What does this research mean for the field?

Although ecosystems and networks are increasingly recognized in merger and acquisition (M&A) research, current literature predominantly treats them as static assets rather than interdependent entities, leading to a fragmented understanding of their actual impact. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Examine how ecosystems and organizational networks are incorporated and conceptualized within merger and acquisition (M&A) research.

August 30, 2026Journal of strategy and managementOpen Access

Ecosystems and networks in merger and acquisition research: grappling with an integrative context

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

CÖChristina Öberg

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Co-citation analysis reveals fragmented use of ecosystems and networks in merger and acquisition literature, highlighting a persistent gap in evaluating their dynamic, interactive impacts.

Key Points

Examine how ecosystems and organizational networks are incorporated and conceptualized within merger and acquisition (M&A) research.
Conducted a co-citation analysis examining 57,035 publications cited across 1,194 M&A journal articles.
Reveals a growing presence of network and ecosystem concepts in M&A literature, though most studies treat them as passive assets rather than interdependent, interactive systems.
Identifies fragmented conceptual frameworks across existing research, hindering a unified understanding of broader contextual environments during M&A integration.

Cite This Study

Christina Öberg (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a93f1626c1a8fb52e79e46b https://doi.org/10.1108/jsma-11-2025-0451

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

August 30, 2026Journal of strategy and managementOpen Access

Ecosystems and networks in merger and acquisition research: grappling with an integrative context

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

CÖChristina Öberg

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Co-citation analysis reveals fragmented use of ecosystems and networks in merger and acquisition literature, highlighting a persistent gap in evaluating their dynamic, interactive impacts.

Key Points

Examine how ecosystems and organizational networks are incorporated and conceptualized within merger and acquisition (M&A) research.
Conducted a co-citation analysis examining 57,035 publications cited across 1,194 M&A journal articles.
Reveals a growing presence of network and ecosystem concepts in M&A literature, though most studies treat them as passive assets rather than interdependent, interactive systems.
Identifies fragmented conceptual frameworks across existing research, hindering a unified understanding of broader contextual environments during M&A integration.

Cite This Study

Christina Öberg (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a93f1626c1a8fb52e79e46b https://doi.org/10.1108/jsma-11-2025-0451

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark