Abstract: This paper explores the basic core competencies required to build a healthy innovation ecosystem in hi-tech industry from the perspective of core competence. Referring to previous studies on core competence, this paper constructs the core competence model of innovation ecosystem including coordination capability, knowledge accessing capability and innovation diffusion capability, which can comprehensively reflect the basic characteristics of innovation ecosystem that includes self-organization, emergence, co-evolution and adaptability. Empirical test indicates that coordination capability, knowledge-accessing capability and innovation diffusion capability could indeed exert positive effects on the health of innovation ecosystem. In addition, the roles of coordination capability and knowledge accessing capability in building a healthy innovation ecosystem are manifested in part through innovation diffusion capability, further highlighting the key role of innovation diffusion capability in innovation ecosystem.

Key words: innovation ecosystem, core competence, ecosystem health, innovation diffusion