Methodological Case Study Approach for Detecting Business Model Enablers in Copycat Ventures

摘要

The approach of copying business models to create a successful company is discredited as non-innovative and propagated as a low-risk variant of entrepreneurship although a simple so-called copycat would only increase competition in the market and not guarantee success. Hence, the question of which characteristics of a business model enable success of such developed businesses arises. This paper presents a methodical approach to the analysis of enablers in business models based on case study research. With the validation of the approach using the business model canvas, a study among e-commerce companies is conducted, and success factors for copycats are identified. The methodological concept can also be applied to other industries and can deliver detailed results using more complex business model tools.