Designing a collaborative business model for SMEs

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Service and Product Innovation Innovation and Knowledge Management Business Strategy and Innovation

Abstract

Objectives . Drawing from a collaborative network approach grounded on the S-D logic perspective (Vargo and Lusch, 2008), this study aims to contribute to the literature on business model. Specifically the paper describes and analyzes the successful business model recently set up by Formabilio; an Italian company that is built up both on network and digital technologies. Methodology . The Social Network Analysis (SNA) based approach (Wasserman and Faust, 1994) has been employed. It is a suitable methodology for understanding complex patterns of interaction (Streeter and Gillespie, 1992) by analysing different actors who are interlinked in the relationship of the network. Findings . The study suggests a more holistic and strategic approach to renew business model. It identifies the foundational elements of a collaboration-based business model to sustain the SMEs competitiveness in a complex and more and more digital-based ecosystem. Specifically, the analysis of the Formabilio network discloses new possible business configurations that a company can adopt to create value for all the actors engaged in the business ecosystem. Research limits . The main limitation of the empirical study relates to its explorative nature and the analysis of a single collaborative network. Practical implications . The study discloses possible business configurations as the pivotal factors for the designing of value co-creation oriented business model are defined. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the effects of collaboration and networking on a traditional business context as the Italian manufacturing ecosystem. Originality of the study . The paper adds value to the existing literature by providing a broader perspective of analysis that merges the managerial perspective on business model and the marketing perspective of interaction and resources integration, to understand, but mainly to orient the managerial behaviour.