The Contribution of Big Data to Achieving a Competitive Advantage: Proposal of a Conceptual Model Based on the VRIN Model

Abstract

The literature dealing with the impact of Big Data on the competitive advantage that companies can develop is based largely on the Resource-Based View as a theoretical basis for the analysis of this phenomenon. This study is based on the following observation: Resource-Based View defines the necessary conditions for resources and skills to provide a sustainable competitive advantage. Our study proposes a conceptual model based on the VRIN model (Value, Rarity, Imitability, Non-Substitution) developed by Barney in 1991, to investigate the contribution of Big Data resources and competencies to the creation of sustainable competitive advantage for firms. A future article will focus on an application of this model, through a survey whose results will shed light on its empirical validity, and thus help to better understand the paths through which Big Data could impact the competitive advantage of companies.