Guide to Ecosystem Mapping and Field Building

The Case for Ecosystem Mapping

You are encountering an emerging field or ecosystem—something distinct but not yet fully formed.
This might be an extension of an existing domain (e.g., cognitive science emerging from psychology) or a novel convergence of ideas and actors.
You want to make sense of it—understand who is involved, what ideas are circulating, and how the field is structured.
The goal could be research, investment, philanthropy, or field-building—helping the ecosystem mature and become self-aware.
You may also want to shape its development, influence its framing, or support key actors.

Lack of clarity: The field lacks a shared identity, clear boundaries, or an established community.
Information fragmentation: No single institution, publication, or database captures the whole picture.
Traditional methods fall short: Academic journals, media coverage, and industry conferences often lag behind or fail to recognize emerging domains.
Ecosystems are fluid: Networks evolve rapidly, and influence is often informal or distributed.
Mapping is complex: Stakeholder relationships, conceptual frameworks, and key players are not always visible or structured.

How do I quickly and effectively understand, navigate, and engage with an emerging field?

Ecosystem mapping provides a structured way to:
- Identify key stakeholders, organizations, and thought leaders.
- Reveal patterns, relationships, and gaps in the field.
- Support decision-making for investment, funding, or strategic engagement.
- Help a field name itself, develop coherence, and gain recognition.
- Provide a foundation for field-building, movement-building, or industry development.
Effective mapping requires specialized expertise, balancing data collection with thoughtful structuring.
A strong map creates clarity and impact, helping actors within the field see themselves in relation to the whole and coordinate more effectively.