A hierarchical taxonomy of business model patterns

Jörg Weking (), Andreas Hein (), Markus Böhm () and Helmut Krcmar ()
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Jörg Weking: Technical University of Munich
Andreas Hein: Technical University of Munich
Markus Böhm: Technical University of Munich

Electronic Markets, 2020, vol. 30, issue 3, No 4, 447-468

Abstract: Abstract Although business model innovation (BMI) is essential to remaining competitive, many firms fail at it. A promising approach is building on reoccurring successful solutions – business model patterns (BMP) – as a blueprint for BMI. However, existing patterns face constraints subject to a high diversity and overlaps among patterns. In addition, literature do not consider relations among BMPs, which limits their potential for BMI. This paper develops a hierarchical taxonomy of BMPs including generalizations and specializations based on inheritance. We conduct a literature review to identify patterns and a cluster analysis to create an inductive structure, followed by a qualitative analysis. The resulting hierarchical taxonomy includes 194 elements. It is the first hierarchical taxonomy of BMPs. The hierarchy addresses the diversity of patterns and overlaps with inheritance. It aids research to structure and understand BMPs. For practice, the taxonomy allows for the application of patterns and supports BMI.

Keywords: Business model; Business model pattern; Taxonomy; Hierarchical structure; Cluster analysis; O310 Innovation and Invention; Processes and Incentives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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DOI: 10.1007/s12525-018-0322-5

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