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Archetypes of open-source business models

Author

Listed:
  • Estelle Duparc

    (TU Dortmund University)

  • Frederik Möller

    (TU Dortmund University
    Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISST))

  • Ilka Jussen

    (TU Dortmund University)

  • Maleen Stachon

    (TU Dortmund University)

  • Sükran Algac

    (TU Dortmund University)

  • Boris Otto

    (TU Dortmund University
    Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISST))

Abstract

The open-source paradigm offers a plethora of opportunities for innovative business models (BMs) as the underlying codebase of the technology is accessible and extendable by external developers. However, finding the proper configuration of open-source business models (OSBMs) is challenging, as existing literature gives guidance through commonly used BMs but does not describe underlying design elements. The present study generates a taxonomy following an iterative development process based on established guidelines by analyzing 120 OSBMs to complement the taxonomy's conceptually-grounded design elements. Then, a cluster-based approach is used to develop archetypes derived from dominant features. The results show that OSBMs can be classified into seven archetypical patterns: open-source platform BM, funding-based BM, infrastructure BM, Open Innovation BM, Open Core BM, proprietary-like BM, and traditional open-source software (OSS) BM. The results can act as a starting point for further investigation regarding the use of the open-source paradigm in the era of digital entrepreneurship. Practitioners can find guidance in designing OSBMs.

Suggested Citation

  • Estelle Duparc & Frederik Möller & Ilka Jussen & Maleen Stachon & Sükran Algac & Boris Otto, 2022. "Archetypes of open-source business models," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(2), pages 727-745, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:32:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s12525-022-00557-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-022-00557-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rainer Alt, 2022. "Electronic Markets on platform transformation," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(2), pages 401-409, June.
    2. Korkmaz, Gizem & Santiago Calderón, J. Bayoán & Kramer, Brandon L. & Guci, Ledia & Robbins, Carol A., 2024. "From GitHub to GDP: A framework for measuring open source software innovation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(3).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Business models; Open source; Open-source business models; Strategic open source; Platforms; Archetypes; Taxonomy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L17 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Open Source Products and Markets

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