Reflecting on industrial business models: A history of tradition, challenges, and potential innovations

Abstract

This chapter aims to contribute to evaluate market options for business models to be adopted by industrial agents. To achieve this object, a methodological approach for a critical observation was pursued. First, it was conducted a theoretical review, regarding the business model (BM) concept and related definitions, as its relationship with strategy, tactical, and operational level of a generic company, innovation, innovation management, structure, and components, among others. Then an analysis of experiences of practical business model adoption by economy actors, typical industrial arrangements or those related to industrial actions, productive chains or practices, were studied, to produce an overlook of its classical, traditional and influential aspects. Finally, in this analysis, reflections around these findings are presented, contributing for BM practice for industrial organizations and associated value-aggregation partners, as from service sectors, which, nowadays, even pressure industries to adopt or adapt to their business models.