Impacts of 3D printing on the development of new business models

Abstract

This paper provides evidence of the effects of Industry 4.0 technologies on the creation of new businesses by addressing the question: how is 3D printing (3DP) leading to the development of new business models? To this end, I discuss the elements of a business model and the features of Industry 4.0 and 3DP, and I contrast and analyze previous literature regarding the effects of 3DP on business models. Afterwards, I describe the qualitative method (multiple case study) used to gather, compile, and analyze the influence of 3DP on the business models of 25 enterprises. This analysis shows that 3DP may be influencing the development of whole new businesses and business models. Moreover, it is affecting differently the business models of existing enterprises. This paper also explores the concepts of technology complementarity and service complementarity, which seem to be the core elements of the success of enterprises centered on 3DP.