Abstract:     Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the structural form of the innovation ecosystems and cooperation modes between innovation subjects, bringing disruptive changes to enterprise innovation, and posing new challenges to the innovation ecosystem theory. However, current research lacks insight into how AI participates in building the innovation ecosystem. This paper focused on the theories related to innovation ecosystems, and analyzed the structure and construction process of the innovation ecosystems with AI participation based on the exploratory case study of Huawei′s HarmonyOS. The research found that: (1) AI, as the innovation subject, plays such multiple identities as enabler, supporter, connector and driver, and the innovation ecosystem with AI participation presents the characteristics of coexistence of human and AI dual innovation subjects; (2) AI, as the innovative technology, promotes multi-level and all-round interaction among innovation subjects, and promotes the diversification and decentralization of innovation ecosystems; (3) AI co-evolved and co-existed with the innovation ecosystem it participated in, and in different stages of the construction of the innovation ecosystem, the innovation mechanism evolve from being expert-led, to partnerships and collaborations, and finally to collaborative sharing. This study has further enriched and developed the theory of innovation ecosystems, and it will provide guidance for enterprises to build innovation ecosystem under the new situation to enhance innovation vitality and sustainable development ability. 

Key words: artificial intelligence (AI), innovation ecosystem, HarmonyOS