Supply chain innovation-driven business models

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore case studies of business models (BMs) driven by supply chain innovations (SCIs) in order to investigate how SCIs can lead companies to discover new BMs. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on an in-depth literature analysis. Literature supports that SCIs drive new BMs. An exploratory interview-based study with practitioners from German and Italian companies shed more light on the ways SCIs can contribute to the discovery of new BMs. Findings So-called operators can establish close links between SCIs and BM innovation. Because in general, supply chains are designed to improve operational performance, most BM improvements are incremental. Large companies, however, can leverage SCIs to generate new BMs that are complementary to their current BMs. Research limitations/implications This research is exploratory in nature. Further (quantitative) research studies can link SCIs types to specific BM patterns and examine contingency factors such as size and industry sector that influence the relationship between SCIs and BMs. Practical implications This research draws the attention of practitioners to SCIs as a valuable opportunity to discover new BMs. The operators enable companies to estimate the effects of specific SCIs on their BMs and to identify the SCIs required for achieving a targeted BM. Originality/value This paper elaborates propositions about the relationships between SCIs and BMs. It identifies supply chain and process management as important streams of literature that can support the advancement of BM research.