Title: Business models dynamics for start-ups and innovating e-businesses

Authors: Mark de Reuver, Harry Bouwman, Ian MacInnes

Addresses: Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5015, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands. ' Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5015, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands. ' School of Information Studies, Syracuse University, Hinds Hall 324, Syracuse, 13078 NY, USA

Abstract: As technology, market and regulation conditions change rapidly, e-business companies frequently have to reinvent their business models. This paper examines which external drivers are most decisive in changing business models during the phases of service development, roll-out and commercialisation. After a qualitative study, 45 longitudinal case descriptions were surveyed on the business model dynamics of start-up and established e-business companies. Technology and market forces turned out to be more decisive, while regulation plays only a minor role. While external drivers are moderately important over time for established companies, their impact on start-up business models is largest during service development and it fades over time.

Keywords: business model dynamics; external drivers; start-up companies; case survey; electronic business; e-business; start-ups; business models; technology; market forces; regulation; innovation; service development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2009.026530

International Journal of Electronic Business, 2009 Vol.7 No.3, pp.269 - 286

Published online: 19 Jun 2009 *

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