The evolution of business models of information and communication technology suppliers

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show how the business model of the information and communications technology (ICT) industry has evolved and the general differences that evolution has made to information management. Design/methodology/approach Literature review was carried out accompanied by conceptual analysis. Findings It shows that changes in the business model of the ICT industry have been quite dramatic and have led to significant changes in the structure of the industry. Research limitations/implications This research is based on analysis of the ICT industry. The analysis could be broadened to include other industries. Research into business model change should consider adopting the evolutionary approach taken in this paper. Practical implications Managers in the ICT industry should factor the likely evolution of business models in their industry into their planning. Social implications Government policymakers considering how to stimulate the development of the ICT industry in their country should be aware of the moving nature of their target. Originality/value This is one of the first papers to apply the evolutionary approach to business model change.

The role of supply chain analytics on supply chain responsiveness, resilience, and restoration (3Rs) capabilities in the United Arab Emirates

“…The finding aligns with the literature and past works which postulate that ICT and digitalized systems empower firms and supply chain units with maneuvering competences (Dubey et al, 2018; Ivanov et al, 2019; Shamout, 2023a). In addition, ICT provides fine‐grained information with deeper insights, which decision‐makers can build on to orchestrate how resources and capability can be structured, bundled, and leveraged in the wake of disruptions (Sirmon et al, 2011; Stone et al, 2021). This implies that, in the context of supply chain, analytics allow firms to identify the feasible actions and resources allocations.…”

Reciprocating Business Model Innovation – How Client and Supplier Models Interact

“…As identified by Stone et al (2020a), the ICT industry evolves in cycles, starting with a new model, which increases its market coverage and may become dominated by a few large firms, but is then challenged by a new model, while costs for customers using older models falls as it becomes commoditized. Client-side models also change, in some cases incentivized by a fall in prices as older models become commoditized.…”

“…In the ICT industry, several generic business models have been identified (Stabell and Fjeldstad, 1998). An updated list would include (Stone et al, 2020a):…”