Abstract
Ecosystems often form around large firms that shape technological choices, yet India’s steel industry ecosystem shows the persistence and success of small firms using alternate technologies. We examine how these firms gained substantial market share in a commoditized industry typically dominated by large players with scale and technological advantages. Our quantitative and content analysis show that small firms in global south can leverage networks, market openings, international markets, and government policies to act collectively, effectively mimicking a large enterprise. Further we discuss the implications for ecosystem in global south and for industry transition toward environmentally and socially sustainable technologies.