This paper provides new understanding on the management styles of innovation ecosystems as a reflection of the type of the ecosystem. We apply the classification by Adner (2017, 47) based on “the way in which a focal firm approaches the alignment of partners and secures its role in a competitive ecosystem” to two types: ecosystem-as-affiliation and ecosystem-as-structure. Although only competent management of innovation ecosystems can secure its efficiency and effectiveness (Adner, 2006; Oh et al., 2016; Planko et al., 2017), current understanding about the differences in management practice of the two types of innovation ecosystems is scarce. Management refers here to governance and coordination that are applied to manage a deliberately established inter-organizational collaboration in order to achieve its common objectives (Rong et al., 2015). To understand the topic better, we ask: How does the innovation ecosystem type manifest itself in ecosystem management? We conducted a multi-case study in 15 innovation ecosystems operating in Finland, Sweden, and Belgium to answer the question. The results suggest that management differs considerably in innovation ecosystem that take the form of the membership community, and in those that are structured around innovation projects. Community type of innovation ecosystems highlight trust building and social bonds, and are open to new members. Coordination refers to enabling their members possibilities to meet, discuss, and find new partners and collaboration opportunities, as well as ideas for innovation. The latter view represents the ecosystem as a bundle of innovation projects and follows project management principles. Governance of these ecosystems is formal with restricted attendance.