How to use the tool

Step 0 · Preparation · 5 min
Have your previous ecosystem canvas next to you as you will need the Actor Cluster cards.

Make sure to print new Actor Cluster cards, Value Creation arrows, and a single Ecosystem Initiator card. 

Step 1 · Cluster your actors · 10 min
Revisit the ecosystem canvas from the previous tool. Are there any new actors you have overlooked and should add to the map?

Now, Select the 3-5 most important actor clusters in your ecosystem.

Step 2 · Identify values · 15 min
Identify the values being transferred from one cluster to another. Write the value on the Value Transaction arrows.

Tip
Examples of values could be materials, service, financial, information, data, knowledge, etc. 

Step 3 · Place the arrows and actors · 25 min
Organize the Value Transaction arrows and the Actor Clusters – you are now mapping out the value-creating system.

Look across the system and feel free to play around with it – if new actors or values come up, make a new card.

Step 4 · Ecosystem initiator · 15 min
Fill in your own ‘Ecosystem Initiator’ card, and place it as the last one. Often, the ‘Ecosystem Initiator’ card represents your company or organization. It is important not to automatically place yourself in the center of the value-creating system.

Begin by analyzing the actor clusters, and see which value transactions you are a part of. Afterward, consider where your Ecosystem initiator card fits within the system.

Step 5 · Create your future circular system · 25 min
The next step is to rearrange your value-creating system, to support your future circular solution.

Look across the system and consider: 

• What does our ideal circular system look like?
• Are there any new relationships that are crucial for our circular solution?
• Do we need to add new value transactions that are not yet represented in the system? 
• Do we need to establish new partnerships with new actors to realize our circular solution?
• Are any of the actors critical to leave behind in order to have a more sustainable business in the future?