Shared mobility companies: A multi-case study comparing different business models and their performances

Abstract

Shared mobility is one of the smart mobility services that has emerged in the smart city paradigm. It is being adopted by several companies and startups, using distinct business models with different results. So, an important question is: how do mobility companies adopt sharing business models for enhanced performance in this context? This paper aims to propose an empirical model to analyze which components from smart mobility, collaborative consumption, and multisided platforms have been incorporated into companies' business models and their relationship with companies´ results. It was applied to 14 case studies of Brazilian shared mobility companies to investigate the relationship between these components and the business goals proposed by the authors (active company, survival, and mobile application ratings). This study offers a theoretical contribution to deepening the knowledge in this area, considering that the authors found no similar studies. Canvas business model framework, qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), content analysis, and cross-case analysis were applied to analyze these case studies. The results pointed to the necessary components for achieving the business goals and the sufficient conditions for the company's failure. Hence, this research can help entrepreneurs who wish to launch new platforms for shared mobility services – safeguarding the specific characteristics of the cases analyzed. It also allows managers to understand these business models and design operational structures that could benefit from the conclusions that emerged from this study.