Complementors

Complementors are products, services, or entities that increase the value of another good when used together. A complementor’s offering enhances the user experience, functionality, or appeal of a core product, such that the overall value of the pair exceeds the sum of its parts. The concept emphasizes interdependence rather than isolated features. The term was popularized in the context of coopetition by Brandenburger and Nalebuff, who highlighted how firms create value through collaboration with suppliers, customers, rivals, and complements.

Common examples include smartphone platforms and third‑party apps, gaming consoles and game titles, printers and ink cartridges, and cloud platforms with integrated developer tools and services. In each case, a robust network of compatible offerings amplifies demand for the core product and can raise barriers to entry for competitors.

From a strategic perspective, attracting and coordinating with high‑quality complementors is central for platform businesses and ecosystem leaders. Governance decisions—open versus closed standards, API policies, revenue sharing, and quality controls—shape the strength and speed of complementor networks. Complementarity also generates network effects: as more compatible products or services become available, the core product becomes more valuable, which in turn attracts additional complementors.

Economists and strategists may assess complementarity through cross‑pricing effects, the density and quality of the complementor network, or the growth of ecosystem offerings relative to the core product. Aligning incentives between platforms and their partners helps sustain investment and prevent free riding.

Overall, complementors are a key driver of value creation in platform and ecosystem strategies, reflecting how the value of goods is increasingly co‑produced across interacting products and services.