3D printing consists of novel technologies that raised high expectations about their future impact on economy and society. However, despite major efforts of manufacturers and governments to promote the technology, the adoption rate is still low. Among others, the absence of appropriate technology education is considered a major hurdle for adoption. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the behavioral intention of high school teachers to use these novel technologies in class. We propose applying the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology by integrating anxiety and attitude toward using technology. Data from 103 high school teachers is utilized to empirically validate the conceptual model. The results show that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, anxiety, and attitude toward using technology significantly affect the adoption of novel technology. Contrary to expectations, effort expectancy and social influence do not affect the behavioral intention. Thus, the study adds to prior knowledge by underlining the need for further investigation of the relevance of anxiety and attitude toward using a novel technology in individual adoption processes.
Purpose
3D printing possesses certain characteristics that are beneficial for user entrepreneurship. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the business models of user entrepreneurs in the 3D printing industry. In addition, various business opportunities in 3D printing open to user entrepreneurs are classified according to their attractiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors review the literatures on user entrepreneurship and on business models. Data from eight user entrepreneurs in Europe and North America are analyzed, applying qualitative content analysis. Multiple correspondence analysis is used to analyze their respective business models.
Findings
User entrepreneurs in the 3D printing utilize a number of different business models, which show similarities in particular business model components. User entrepreneurs focus primarily on the combination of low opportunity exploitation cost and a large number of potential customers.
Research limitations/implications
Online business seems to be beneficial for user entrepreneurship in 3D printing. Policy makers can foster user entrepreneurship by expanding entrepreneurship education and lowering administrative barriers of business foundation. The results of this study are based on a small European and North American sample. Thus, they might not be applicable to other markets.
Originality/value
This is the first study of user entrepreneur business models in 3D printing and, thus, contributes to the literature on business models and on user entrepreneurship. In view of the novelty of the field, the business models identified in the study could serve as blueprints for prospective user entrepreneurs in 3D printing.
Sustainable entrepreneurs intend to create environmental and social value while they build their financially viable business. With this in mind, they are embedded in multiple institutionalized value systems (i.e., institutional logics) that provide them with different, often contradictory values, beliefs, and guiding principles. Adhering to these value systems and integrating multiple forms of value into a coherent business model is a key task for sustainable entrepreneurs, yet current efforts lack insight into how this can be achieved. To address this, the article utilizes the institutional logic perspective in conjunction with the componential approach to business models. By analyzing a longitudinal in-depth case study, this article develops a novel theoretical model linking shifts in the entrepreneur’s perception of institutional logic to business model alterations, and emphasizes the underlying mechanisms and behavior of the sustainable entrepreneur. Sustainable entrepreneurs integrate and blend institutional logic through multiple business model transitions, which are characterized by a personal reorientation of the entrepreneur and new practices to implement change. Furthermore, our findings show that the entrepreneur’s habitus, the pre-change business model, and the change-specific dominant logic are integral and previously overlooked concepts that contextualize their business model transition. The findings and discussion advance the theoretical and practical understanding of the processes through which sustainable entrepreneurs integrate multiple forms of value into their business models. With that, the article contributes to research on sustainable entrepreneurship, institutional logic and business models.
Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to analyze the business models that 3D printer manufacturers apply to commercialize their technologies. The authors investigate these business models and analyze whether there are business model patterns. The paper describes the gestalt of the business model patterns and discusses differences and similarities. Design/methodology/approach-The authors review the literatures on business models and 3D printing technology. The authors apply a componential business model approach and carry out an in-depth analysis of the business models of 48 3D printer manufacturers in Europe and North America. The authors develop a framework focusing on value proposition, value creation and value capture components. Cluster analysis is used to identify business model patterns. Findings-The results indicate that there are two distinct business model patterns in the industry. The authors termed these patterns the "low-cost online business model" and the "technology expert business model." The results demonstrate that there is a relationship between business model and technology. The identified patterns are independent of age, company size and country of origin. Research limitations/implications-The empirical results complement and extend existing literature on business models. The authors contribute to the discussion on business models in the context of novel technology. The technology seems to influence the gestalt of the business model. The sample is limited to European and North American companies and the analysis is based on secondary data. Originality/value-This is the first empirical study on the business models of 3D printer manufacturers. The authors apply an original mixed-methods approach and develop a framework that can function as a starting point for future research. 3D printer manufacturers can use the identified business model patterns as blueprints to reduce the risk of failure or as a starting point for business model innovation.
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