Networked business model development for emerging technology-based services

• The role of business model is explicated in business net evolution when business opportunities are created and exploited.
• The concept of networked business model incorporates past, present and future perspectives.
• A networked business model can act as a device in planning and creating future business both in firm and net levels.
• Entrepreneurial actors and activities dispersed in the net are important for the networked business model development.

This study examines the development of a networked business model for emerging technology-based services. Few studies explore the development and use of business models, and research on networked business models is particularly scarce. With observation and interview data from a network pilot of technology-based services the study presents the concept of a networked business model as a dynamic device in planning an emerging business in a net of actors. The findings identify phases of business net evolution when business opportunities are identified, created, and potentially exploited and recognize the role of entrepreneurial actors in the development.