Business Model Innovation in the Age of AI and Technological Change

Source: MIT Sloan Management Review

In the rapidly evolving technological landscape characterized by AI, blockchain, and renewable energy, business model innovation is a crucial strategy for creating and capturing value. Novelty in business models alone does not guarantee success; top performers configure their models with complementary elements such as efficiency, lock-in mechanisms, and partnerships to build a sustainable competitive advantage. Case studies such as Spotify illustrate the power of combining novelty with operational discipline, while failures like Clubhouse demonstrate the risks of relying solely on new concepts without value capture.

Operational efficiency is highlighted as a strategic advantage, exemplified by companies like Shein and Tesla that merge innovation with scalable infrastructure. Aligning business model novelty with clear competitive strategies, such as differentiation or cost leadership, is critical for outperforming competitors. AI-driven business models, including those of Duolingo and Netflix, emphasize the importance of integrating AI capabilities into a systemic value-creating configuration rather than relying on AI alone.

Sustainability is increasingly embedded as a design principle in business models, with companies like Patagonia and Ørsted transforming their strategies to support long-term environmental and economic goals. The study also notes that company size and technological maturity influence optimal business model complexity. Smaller firms benefit from simpler models in new tech environments, while larger firms gain from multifaceted configurations. Overall, novelty must be part of a coherent, strategically aligned system to drive innovation that leads to lasting impact.

👉 Pročitaj original: MIT Sloan Management Review