Status of business model and electronic market research: An interview with Alexander Osterwalder

Abstract

This interview with Alexander Osterwalder provides a compelling view on how research on business models emerged and describes how business model thinking makes a difference in practice. It shows that business models are vital for systematically addressing and (re)designing the key strategic aspects of each business. It is based on Alexander Osterwalder’s doctoral work on business models which was published ten years ago as well as his experiences of making a business model around business models. Besides illustrating the argumentation with many examples the interview also raises the question of rigor and relevance for academic research.