Business model benchmarking : how a machine learning-based tool can support business model innovation

An increasing body of literature has developed around business models and business model innovation in recent years, establishing the concepts’ relevance for the competitiveness of a firm. The process of innovating a business model is less researched and still constitutes a com-plex and challenging task for businesses. Despite the advancements of technology, only few tools have been developed to support said process. Thus, present work focuses on how this process can be facilitated by introducing the concept of benchmarking and complementing it through a machine learning model. A machine learning supported multi-case theory building approach was followed to indicate how benchmarking business models might benefit compa-nies and to arrive at a machine learning model supporting this endeavour. The business models of 306 firms were evaluated to do so. Benchmarking business models can benefit a company by monitoring and learning from other organizations to spark innovation and support idea cre-ation. The machine learning model predicts business model patterns which are used to make processes across companies comparable. The present thesis results in a business model bench-marking tool which supports managers and entrepreneurs alike in their quest of business model innovation. ; Nos últimos anos, um número significativo de estudos foram desenvolvidos em torno de modelos de negócios e na inovação dos mesmos, afirmando a relevância destes conceitos para a competitividade de uma empresa. O processo de inovação de um modelo de negócio não só é pouco estudado, como ainda constitui uma tarefa complexa e desafiadora para as empresas. Apesar dos avanços da tecnologia, apenas algumas meios foram desenvolvidos para dar suporte ao referido processo. Assim, a presente dissertação realça como este processo pode ser facilitado, introduzindo o conceito de benchmarking e completando-o através do modelo ‘machine learning model’. Multi-case theory building foi apoiado pelo modelo ‘machine learning model’ para indicar como a análise de ...