Business Innovations in the New Mobility Market during the COVID-19 with the Possibility of Open Business Model Innovation

Abstract

The current difficult situation in the world caused by the spread of the COVID-19 virus has led to the development of problems in many branches of the economy. However, it has significantly affected transport, which on the one hand, is the bloodstream of the economy and, on the other hand, creates a threat for virus infection. Thus, in various countries, different mobility-related restrictions during pandemic policies around the world have been introduced. What is more, plans for initiatives after lockdown have also started to appear. Moreover, not have only cities introduced appropriate management policies, but companies have also started providing logistics services, especially those offering new mobility solutions. We found a literature and research gap indicating the recording or combination of the different types of business practices and innovations used worldwide in new mobility companies in the case of a pandemic situation. Therefore, this article is dedicated to the business innovations that appear in the new mobility industry during the COVID-19 pandemic in connection to post-pandemic transportation plans in Asia, Europe, and America. In this work, we conducted two-level research based on the desk research and expert research methodologies. From the business point of view, the results show that car-sharing systems (most organizational practices) and ride-sharing services (most safety practices) have most adapted their business models to pandemic changes. In turn, bike-sharing services have implemented the fewest business practices and innovations. From the urban transport systems point of view, the results show that European authorities have proposed the most plans and practice projects for new mobility after the pandemic compared to Asia and America. The obtained results indicate, however, that business practices do not coincide with the authorities’ plans for transport after the pandemic. Moreover, the results show a lack of complementarity between the developed practices and a reluctance to create open innovations in the new mobility industry. The article supports the management of new mobility systems in times of pandemic and in post-COVID reality.