Title: Telecom strategies for IoT innovations in Asian and European business ecosystems

Authors: Caroline Cecilie Skogland Kverne; Per Jonny Nesse

Addresses: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ' Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Telenor Research, Alfred Getz vei 3, 7491 Trondheim, Norway

Abstract: Telecom operators are looking for ways to develop new revenue streams beyond their current basic connectivity service. Internet of things (IoT) represents a new revenue opportunity where devices embedded with sensors connected to the operators' network collect and exchange data that improves decision making, business performance and customer experience. In this article we study how telecom operators have developed partnership strategies related to IoT innovations in emerging markets in Asia as well as in the more mature and advanced economies in Europe. In the emerging economies the telecom operators pursue a fully integrated vertical IoT solution provider strategy in co-creation with other third-party service developers. In the mature economies, the telecom operators follow an IoT business relationship strategy. This article contributes to the literature by defining three types of IoT business ecosystems and the respective telecom operators' strategies for successful exploration and exploitation of value in these ecosystems.

Keywords: internet of things; IoT; open innovation; telecom operator; business ecosystem; emerging; mature economies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2022.124862

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2022 Vol.26 No.3/4, pp.219 - 251

Accepted: 22 Apr 2022
Published online: 11 Aug 2022 *

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