The subject of research is industrial ecosystems. The purpose of the work is to formulate the principles for ecosystem projects functioning at different stages of their lifecycle. The article systematizes the problem of applying the ecosystem approach in cross-sectoral interaction. The following tasks have been resolved as a result of the study: the need to classify the projects according to the ecosystem levels has been considered and substantiated, the essence and concept of ecosystem life cycle has been disclosed, theoretical principles for industrial ecosystem functioning have been formulated, the main categories have been clarified, the general concept for ecosystem approach implementation has been formulated. The article illustrates this concept using a case study of National University of Science and Technology "MISIS". The role and functions of the ecosystem integrator as "an entry point" to form new ideas, competences, concepts, technological solutions and initiate new projects to develop and test new products and technologies are shown. The practical significance of the research results consists of the possibility to use certain concepts in industrial enterprise management as well as to develop program documents and strategies for socioeconomic development of the country and individual regions.