Business Model Theory and the Becoming of New Mobile Communications Technologies

Abstract

Extant research falls short of explaining and predicting business model innovation (BMI) in emerging futuristic technology contexts. Building on next-generation mobile communications technology (6G), this research develops and explicates a forward-looking business model theory. It explains and theorizes BMI by systematically linking opportunity with scalability, value with sustainability, and advantage with replicability as antecedents and outcomes. The developed business model theory shifts the focus from the firm towards an ecosystem level of analysis and expands the time continuum from retrospection to forward-looking prediction. The business model theory allows researching BMI not only as an adaptation in a context but also by explaining and understanding the development of a firm and its future ecosystem.