The Influence of Technological Disruptions in Business Ecosystems on Elements of Companies’ Business Models

Business models and technologies within the business ecosystem are seen as interdependent. In particular, disruptive technologies hold the potential to have a significant impact on business models and the structure of the entire business ecosystem. To withstand these technological disruptions, companies in business ecosystems need appropriate business models. This article uses the electrification of drivetrains as an example of technological disruption. Subsequently, the influences on companies to adopt respective technologies are examined. Furthermore, the impact of the introduction of these technologies on business model elements of companies is investigated. To do so, empirical data from 13 informants working in three different types of companies in the automotive business ecosystem, namely engineering providers, suppliers, and original equipment manufacturers, were collected. The results suggest that the introduction of new technologies and the associated changes in the business model elements of companies in the automotive business ecosystem are leading to changes in the previously established roles of business ecosystem actors. Thus, this article contributes to the still scarce literature that combines business ecosystems, business model innovation, and disruptive technologies.