Title: Evolution and dynamics of business models in the German biotechnology industry

Authors: Lars Schweizer

Addresses: Grenoble Ecole de Management, 12, rue Pierre Semard – BP 127, 38003 Grenoble Cedex 01, France

Abstract: This paper introduces the |business model| construct in the context of the German biotechnology industry. Four different types of business models are identified: the integrated, the layer player, the orchestrator and the market maker model. First, a brief summary of the current trends in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is presented. After that, we describe four cases of the German biotechnology industry (Axaron BioScience AG, Evotec OAI AG, LION Bioscience AG, Mologen Holding AG). With the help of a comparative case study research approach, we show differences between business models and how biotechnology companies evolve from one model to another. This study shows that companies apply different business models and evolve from one to another.

Keywords: biotechnology; business models; business strategies; deconstruction; value chain; entrepreneurship; bioentrepreneurship; Germany.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2006.009295

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2006 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.265 - 284

Published online: 15 Mar 2006 *

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