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Publications
Publications
  • 2011
  • Working Paper
  • HBS Working Paper Series

Business Model Innovation and Competitive Imitation: The Case of Sponsor-Based Business Models

By: Ramon Casadesus-Masanell and Feng Zhu
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:56
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Abstract

We study sponsor-based business model innovations where a firm monetizes its product through sponsors rather than setting prices to its customer base. We analyze strategic interactions between an innovative entrant and an incumbent where the incumbent may imitate the entrant's business model innovation once it is revealed. We find that an entrant needs to strategically choose whether to reveal its innovation by competing through the new business model, or conceal it by adopting a traditional business model. We show that the value of business model innovation may be so substantial that an incumbent may prefer to compete in a duopoly rather than to remain a monopolist.

Keywords

Business Model; Innovation and Invention; Market Entry and Exit; Competitive Strategy; Competitive Advantage; Value

Citation

Casadesus-Masanell, Ramon, and Feng Zhu. "Business Model Innovation and Competitive Imitation: The Case of Sponsor-Based Business Models." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 11-003, July 2010. (Revised September 2011.)
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About The Authors

Ramon Casadesus-Masanell

Strategy
→More Publications

Feng Zhu

Technology and Operations Management
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  • Bosch (B): Entering the Electric Bike Market By: Ramon Casadesus-Masanell, Oliver Gassmann, Felix Wortmann and Sven Jung
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