Business models as bottlenecks: How the absence of business models hampers desired technology transitions
通过公路运输电气化的案例，提出商业模式缺失会构成一种新的瓶颈，表现为生态系统中无人愿占的空白位置，需多方协作调整才能解决。
Research on technological transitions has long identified technology bottlenecks and strategic resource bottlenecks as impediments that could slow transitions. This paper adds another dimension and examines the undertheorized role of business models and how business model misalignments can constitute a third type of bottleneck. Based on a qualitative case study of electrification in the road transport industry, this paper explores the phenomenon of business model bottlenecks . The study shows that in contrast to technology bottlenecks and strategic resource bottlenecks, a business model bottleneck manifests itself as an unattractive void position. Resolving such a bottleneck requires adjustment of several interdependent business models, requiring actors to cooperate in new ways. The findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the interrelation between technology transitions and business model innovation. • The absence of a viable business model can constitute a bottleneck hampering a desired technology transition. • Such a business model bottleneck appears when there is high uncertainty concerning the value creation and capture potentials of a critical position in an emerging ecosystem. • A business model bottleneck constitutes an unattractive ecosystem position and is manifested by a void, i.e., an position that no actor wants to take on. • The business model bottleneck phenomenon is illustrated by a case study from an electrification attempt within the road transport industry.