McCormick Williams*

ABSTRACT

The increasing complexity of innovation ecosystems has transformed the role of intermediary organizations in connecting firms, research institutions, governments, and entrepreneurs. This paper examines how networks and different forms of proximity influence business model transformation within innovation intermediary ecosystems. The study explores the impact of geographic, cognitive, organizational, and social proximity on collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation performance. A descriptive research design was adopted using secondary data and documentary analysis from innovation hubs, technology transfer offices, incubators, and collaborative platforms across different economic sectors. The findings indicate that proximity enhances trust, accelerates information sharing, and strengthens collaborative innovation activities among ecosystem participants. At the same time, excessive dependence on localized networks may limit openness and reduce exposure to diverse knowledge sources. The analysis further reveals that intermediary organizations increasingly redesign their business models through digital platforms, strategic partnerships, and open innovation practices to remain competitive in dynamic environments. The paper contributes to the understanding of how intermediary ecosystems evolve in response to technological change and network-based innovation processes while highlighting the strategic importance of balanced proximity for sustainable business model development. Keywords: Innovation Ecosystems, Business Model Transformation, Innovation Intermediaries, Proximity Networks, Open Innovation, Knowledge Exchange.