Supporting Business Model Decision-making in B2B Ecosystems: A Framework for Using System Dynamics

Abstract

Digital technologies have led to new ways of creating value across organizational boundaries within business ecosystems and now increasingly transform existing business models. However, organizations searching for a successful business model in an ecosystem environment are faced with uncertainty. Previous studies have shown that decision-making can be improved systematically with modeling and simulation. We conducted a two-year action design research study with a B2B start-up and developed a framework with a business ecosystem perspective that supports the use of System Dynamics. This research investigates how an organization in a B2B ecosystem can use simulation to decide on a business model while considering the perspective of other ecosystem actors. We contribute to research on business ecosystems and provide a foundation for further improvements of quantitative business model development tools.