This paper introduces a first outline of a typology of distributed knowledge co-creation in virtual communities based on Porter"s typology of virtual communities. The typology is based on empirical results from the analyses of social media, and a discussion of case study results from India proves the adaptability as well as usefulness of the typology. At the same time, the case study serves as an example to depict a socio-economic perspective on social media and knowledge management in Digital Ecosystems.