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The Emerging Properties of Business Models: A Systemic Approach

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Technology Transfer in a Global Economy

Part of the book series: International Studies in Entrepreneurship ((ISEN,volume 28))

Abstract

Aim of this paper is to explore the emerging properties of business models design processes in complex contexts such as a traditional manufacturing cluster. To do we distinguish between a static and dynamic perspective on business models, profiting from a critical analysis of the recent literature. Then we define the service orientation landscape for manufacturing sectors, approaching different strands of analysis. On this canvass, we present our case scenario based on an ongoing project for the design and delivery of new business model concept for the machine tool sector, based on renting and leasing. The analysis of this case will allow us to draft some conclusions about the emerging properties of business models design processes in context different form the one traditionally used to this kind of activities: a cluster of Italian SMEs. The interesting aspects accruing form this analysis lies on the different roles played by public and semi public institutions in participating to this pilot project. Moreover, the business models’ systemic impact and strategic dimensions will be explored, showing how this tool can be considered as a systemic instrument for the governance of the innovative processes.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    “An EO refers to the processes, practices, and decision-making activities that lead to new entry. It emerges from a strategic-choice perspective (Child 1972), which asserts that new-entry opportunities can be successfully undertaken by ‘purposeful enactment’” (Lumpkin and Dess 1996:136).

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Acknowledgment

This contribution has been possible thanks to the research grant provided by the Department of Economic and Social Sciences (DISES), Catholic University of Milan, Piacenza campus, while the author, in secondment, was working at “Laboratorio MUSP”. I must thank Prof. Francesco Timpano, Prof. Michele Monno and Mr. Mario Salmon for their support during my working period at the MUSP Laboratory. Their suggestions, help and confidence in my abilities have been exceptionally important for the conclusion of this project. The interpretation it contains is entirely mine as are any deficiencies. A special mention is for my supervisors Dr. Neil Alderman and Dr. Fiona Whitehurst for helping me. Comments on subsequent drafts by Dr. Dimitri Gagliardi, Prof. Mo O’Toole, Prof. Knut Koschatzky, Dr. Ronald Ramlogan and the staff at ZEW in Mannheim have been very much appreciated.

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  1. Newcastle University Business School, 5 Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE14SE, England

    Andrea Cocchi

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  1. Andrea Cocchi
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Correspondence to Andrea Cocchi .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Institute of Development Strategies, Indiana University, East 10th Street 1315, Bloomington, 47405, Indiana, USA

    David B. Audretsch

  2. , Department of Management & Organization, University of Augsburg, Universitaetsstr. 16, Augsburg, 86159, Germany

    Erik E. Lehmann

  3. , Department of Economics, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, 27402, North Carolina, USA

    Albert N. Link

  4. , Department of Business Administration, University of Augsburg, Universitaetsstr. 16, Augsburg, 86159, Germany

    Alexander Starnecker

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Cocchi, A. (2012). The Emerging Properties of Business Models: A Systemic Approach. In: Audretsch, D., Lehmann, E., Link, A., Starnecker, A. (eds) Technology Transfer in a Global Economy. International Studies in Entrepreneurship, vol 28. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6102-9_15

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