In this article, the approach of complexity theory to the development of innovation ecosystem is presented. Innovation ecosystem is understood as a smart system that is explained by the characteristics of complex adaptive systems. Thus its development is based on the mechanisms of management of complex adaptive systems and integrates both top-down and bottom-up approaches towards the development of innovation ecosystems. Smart development of innovation ecosystems relies on pattern formation, sense making, definition of simple rules, change of attractors, tagging, chunking and maintaining disequilibrium, as well as the mobilization of niches.
