A systemic support to business model innovation: enhancing resilience-building processes of SMEs in times of crisis

Abstract

Purpose. The work proposes Dynamic Business Modeling (DBM) to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in implementing business model innovation (BMI) to increase their resilience during crises. Design/methodology/approach. Drawing on System Dynamics and secondary data case studies, DBM is investigated as a way to make changes to business model elements and architecture in response to changing conditions. Findings. The case-based analysis shows how DBM can help SMEs overcome BMI barriers during crises by enhancing the understanding of the interdependence between financial and non-financial factors. Practical and social implications. The work shows how DBM can speed up BMI in SMEs, contributing to the scientific discussion by proposing a systemic methodological solution for SMEs to overcome BMI barriers. Originality of the study. The work offers a qualitative perspective of DBM for SMEs coping with crises through BMI. It serves as groundwork for future applied research on SMEs’ BMI.