An Ontology of Business Models for Industrial Product-Service Systems

Abstract

Delivering Industrial Product Service Systems (IPS²) is a strategic priority for many companies, since IPS² represent an opportunity to differentiate from competitors and to build long-term customer relationships. However, these relationships have to be characterized, e.g. in terms of delivering value, generating revenues, and sharing risks, which can be done through a business model. Nevertheless, the existing research on business models lacks structure especially with regard to IPS². To provide a first step into closing this research gap, this study aims at delivering an IPS²-specific business model ontology. Based on this, a case study of a solution provider is conducted.