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How do business model tools facilitate business model exploration? Evidence from action research

Author

Listed:
  • Alexia Athanasopoulou

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Mark De Reuver

    (Delft University of Technology)

Abstract

Business model tools are commonly used to describe and communicate business model ideas. However, studies do not sufficiently address whether and how business model tools support the early, exploratory phase in which new business models are initiated, conceptualized, assessed and planned. In this exploratory phase, offerings and addressable markets are highly uncertain, which requires extensive idea generation, reframing, comparison and evaluation. This paper examines whether and how business model tools facilitate the process of business model exploration. Through action research, we find three ways in which business model tools can better facilitate the process of exploring, reframing and comparing alternative business models. The paper contributes to business model literature and managerial practice by providing empirical evidence on how tooling facilitates business model exploration.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexia Athanasopoulou & Mark De Reuver, 2020. "How do business model tools facilitate business model exploration? Evidence from action research," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 30(3), pages 495-508, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:30:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s12525-020-00418-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-020-00418-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Elina Mikelsone & Inga Uvarova & Jean-Pierre Segers, 2022. "Four-step approach to idea management sequencing: redefining or reinventing values in a business model," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, December.
    2. Harry Bouwman & Mark Reuver & Marikka Heikkilä & Erwin Fielt, 2020. "Business model tooling: where research and practice meet," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 30(3), pages 413-419, September.
    3. Efpraxia D. Zamani & Anastasia Griva & Kieran Conboy, 2022. "Using Business Analytics for SME Business Model Transformation under Pandemic Time Pressure," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 1145-1166, August.
    4. Rainer Alt, 2020. "Electronic Markets on sustainability," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 30(4), pages 667-674, December.

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