Emerging Business Models: Value Drivers in e-Business 2.0 and Towards Enterprise 2.0

Abstract

The objective of this research is to further develop Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management Theory on value creation in e-Business, by providing first insights in value drivers in e-business companies that use Web 2.0. To reach this goal this research tries to give first answers to the central research question, if value drivers associated with Web 2.0 are different from known value drivers in e-business? This research adopts Forrester's perspective on Web 2.0. It allows this research to clearly define the enabler aspect of Web 2.0 technologies that influence companies in e-Business, and allows a development of the concept 'e-Business 2.0'. Many writers and researchers use the term Web 2.0 as the next stage of the Internet and of e-Business. These researchers do not make a clear distinction between the technological enabler aspect and the social aspect. Introducing and developing a concept of e-Business 2.0 and having it implemented in the outmost circle of the figure helps provide a better overview and framework for this research. Since the Internet bubble, Web 2.0 with its core applications and enabling technologies has become popular and successful influencing e-Business. Successful start-ups created a new area in e-Business where Web 2.0 was a key factor in creating value. The focus in this research is on these companies that embrace Web 2.0 enabling technologies and core applications that cause a behavioural shift. This research, therefore, develops in scientific literature, the concept of e-Business 2.0 where e-Business companies are actively using Web 2.0 to create and appropriate value from, for, and with stakeholders. This research also makes a distinction between an internal and external focus. This research looks at e-Business 2.0 and has an external focus. E-Business 2.0 pure players depend on Web 2.0 to create and appropriate value with a focus to external customers, instead of internal organisations. The latter focus is called 'Enterprise 2.0', 'there is a new wave of business communication tools including blogs, wikis and group messaging. There are new digital platforms for generating, sharing and refining information that are already popular on the Internet. These platforms are collectively labeled Web 2.0 technologies. The term 'Enterprise 2.0' focuses only on those platforms in which companies can buy or build in order to make the practices and outputs of their knowledgeable workers visible.' Enterprise 2.0 looks at Web 2.0 technologies and practices within organisations and businesses and is therefore, referred to as internal focus. Moreover, the study proposed a case study of Enterprise 2.0 for IBA, a Belgian fast growing company, IBA is actually a challenging Enterprise 2.0 business case, in this context, to demonstrate by a detailed KPI analysis, how collaboration platforms (and related HR management) can drastically improve the global performance of an international group. The study further to propose another case study of Belgian Government: e-gov 2.0 study, this e-Governance model was also based on specific fundamental values that were considered ”key” in a performing and globally adopted e-delivery of the public service. Enterprise 2.0 is an evolutionary step forward releasing employees from the constraints and limitations of the legacy communication and productivity tools. The study concludes the challenges of the Enterprise 2.0: ten facts and Six Enterprise 2.0-Myths. Enterprise 2.0 still suffers from a couple of myths coming from the ”2.0” label. But, far from being a hype word applying Web 2.0 concepts to professional organisations, it refers to a tangible reality. Enterprise 2.0, being more a philosophy than a technology, can truly create huge added value for organizations in any sector and it is often remarkable to see in what way the Enterprise 2.0 methods are used to solve specific problems. In the near future we will post on this page applications of Enterprise 2.0 projects in specific sectors so be sure to come back soon! Enterprise 2.0 is the term used to describe how a Web 2.0 approach can be used to work more collaboratively together in business. Harvard professor Andrew McAfee coined the phrase Enterprise 2.0, defining it: the use of emergent social software platforms within companies or between companies and their partner or customers. However Enterprise 2.0 is much more than just 'Web 2.0 for business'.