ifkad articles

Knowledge Ecosystem in a Hybrid Context: Insights From a Consultancy Project

Ernesto De Nito, Paolo Canonico, Andrea Caccialanza, Valentina Langella4

This paper explores the concept of knowledge ecosystem created by Treedom, a pioneering B-Lab certified startup at the intersection of technology and environmental conservation. This research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how organizational dimensions play a role in a knowledge ecosystem settings where multiple logics coexist. In particular, we adopt the experience of a consultancy project carried out by ALTIS Advisory , a consultancy spin-off of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore devoted to promoting sustainability in established organizations and new entrepreneurial initiatives. This empirical study was based on a qualitative investigation. We carried out the analysis iteratively using a semi-grounded approach, and our data informed the selection of theories. Three data collection techniques were used: documentary analysis, participant observation and semi-structured interviews (one of the authors was part of the consultancy team during the project). The combination of social purpose and commercial strength equips Treedom to sustain, scale, and amplify the benefits generated throughout the ecosystem. Within this ecosystem, knowledge operates as a strategic asset that underpins the shared objectives of Treedom and its stakeholders. The social‑impact assessment carried out by ALTIS Advisory thus became a collective learning exercise, enabling every actor to acquire deeper insight into their own capabilities, those of their counterparts, and the project as a whole.

IN: Proceedings IFKAD 2025: Knowledge Futures: AI, Technology, and the New Business Paradigm
PP: 960-965