Business Model Gaming: A Game-Based Methodology for E-Mobility Business Model Innovation

The paradigm shift from conventional mobility with combustion engine vehicles to electric mobility requires alternative business forms. The formerly independent industries are melting and the common value structures for stakeholders of the automotive, energy and infrastructure branches increasingly dissolve. As a result, the established business models are no longer economically viable and a long-term competitiveness of the companies can only be achieved by business model innovation. However, the available approaches for business model innovation are often perceived as being too complex and difficult to implement in practice. Hence, this paper presents a new game-based methodology that supports the systematic development of innovative business models in the field electric mobility. It is referred to as Business Model Gaming, as it takes advantage of gaming effects and introduces an innovation process using adapted and harmonized methods specific for electric mobility. A game- based and risk free environment provides a straightforward access to these methods and creates a common knowledge base for all game participants. By means of the game the flow effect increases the motivation, performance and creativity of all participants in order to systematically support the critical innovation step of idea generation. Finally, the practical implementation of the methodology confirms its operational capabilities.