From single firm to network-based business model innovation

Abstract

In today's complex, knowledge and innovation-driven economy, innovating business models and their architecture is in growing demand. Innovating business models to become network-based is a complex venture, but critical for the survival of many companies. Business model innovation is not widely researched, though. This paper examines the development of new business models in three networks and focuses on the challenges related to that. A key finding concerns the network partners' very different business models and success criteria related to the innovation process and outcomes. The network partners' value equation in a new network-based business model is complex to understand but nonetheless important to drive and lead the model from idea – through the innovation process – to the market. Another interesting finding is the big difference in network construction and demand of change to the individual network partners' business models.