Business Models – A New Perspective on Firms' Assets and Capabilities

Abstract

Network-intensive business behaviour and specialization in core competencies have increased the importance of utilizing resources beyond company boundaries. In recent years, resource exploration and exploitation have attracted increasing attention in the literature on interorganizational exchange and strategic networks. However, resources have not been sufficiently analysed in connection with types of business models. In this study, the authors focus on key assets and capabilities from the entrepreneur's business model perspective. Taking theories of interorganizational exchange and the resource-based view of the firm as the basis, key assets and capabilities are identified in four different types of business models in selected software companies. The key findings indicate that there is a significant difference in the emphasis on internally and externally obtained resources between different types of business models.