Archetypes of open-source business models

Estelle Duparc (), Frederik Möller, Ilka Jussen, Maleen Stachon, Sükran Algac and Boris Otto
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Estelle Duparc: TU Dortmund University
Frederik Möller: TU Dortmund University
Ilka Jussen: TU Dortmund University
Maleen Stachon: TU Dortmund University
Sükran Algac: TU Dortmund University
Boris Otto: TU Dortmund University

Electronic Markets, 2022, vol. 32, issue 2, No 22, 727-745

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Business models; Open source; Open-source business models; Strategic open source; Platforms; Archetypes; Taxonomy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L17 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s12525-022-00557-9

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