Ecosystem Micro Community Canvas

#The problem this canvas solves

In Haier's Rendanheyi model, the Micro-Enterprise is the basic unit—but complex user needs often require multiple MEs to collaborate. The EMC was born within Haier as an open and dynamic structure to facilitate co-creating value in large ecosystems. Traditional organizations struggle to coordinate across silos; the EMC provides a mechanism that increases harmonized work between otherwise loosely coupled microenterprises by creating a common goal around specific user needs. Using smart contracts, Haier removed the complexity of paper-based contracts to enable truly self-organizing collaboration.

#When to use it

Use the Ecosystem Micro Community (EMC) Canvas when multiple Micro-Enterprises and external partners need to collaborate on complex user scenarios that no single unit can address alone. The EMC is a coordination mechanism that aligns multiple nodes around a shared leading goal with explicit value sharing mechanisms.

This canvas is essential for designing how value flows between collaborating parties and ensuring each contributor's obligations and rewards are clearly defined.

#The canvas

The canvas in the updated Boundaryless brand (full resolution — click to zoom). A print-ready PDF and editable SVG are also available on request.

#Canvas structure

#Node Name

List all participating nodes (MEs, SSPs, other partners)

#Key Obligations

Contribution provided to the EMC — What each node brings to the collaboration

Expected performance — Performance expectations for each contributor

#Value Sharing Mechanisms

Profit %, cost coverage, other value flows (e.g., user info, research value)

#Ecosystemic Value

Ecosystemic User Scenario and Proposition —

Quantitative Ecosystemic Leading Goal —

#How to use it

Map all participating nodes, their contributions, and how value will be shared.

#Steps

1. User Scenario — Define the complex user need requiring multi-party collaboration
2. Nodes — List all participating MEs, SSPs, and external partners
3. Obligations — Detail what each node contributes and expected performance
4. Value Sharing — Define how revenues, costs, and other value flows are distributed
5. Leading Goal — Set quantitative targets for the EMC

#Tips

• Be specific about value sharing percentages
• Include non-financial value flows (data, insights, brand)
• Ensure obligations and rewards are balanced
• Review regularly as the EMC evolves

#Connections with other canvases

#Feeds into

• Value Adjustment Mechanism Canvas — EMC structure informs individual ME value adjustment mechanisms

#Informed by

• The 3EO Map — Map provides context for EMC positioning
• Micro-Enterprise Canvas — Understanding of individual MEs informs EMC design

#Complements

• Micro-Enterprise Canvas — EMC and ME canvases work together to define collaboration

#Used in techniques

• Analyzing Organizational Elements
• Implementing the Portfolio Strategy

#Used in pipelines

• Restructuring the Portfolio

#Related reading

• An Entrepreneurial, Ecosystem Enabling Organization — Detailed explanation of EMC structure and purpose within Haier

#Resources

• Guide reference: 3EO Toolkit User Guide - EMC Canvas chapter
• License: Creative Commons Attribution - Share Alike 4.0 International
• Version: 1.0

---

Part of 3EO Toolkit · v1.0