In the past, business models (BMs) remained practically unchanged for decades. However, innovation cycles are becoming shorter, and the search for sustainable competitive advantages in the future can begin with the design or further development of the right business model. Expanding one's business model to the point where it generates competitive advantages is challenging and requires a solid knowledge base. This is particularly difficult for SMEs, as the barrier to business model innovation is not easily overcome. On the one hand, the necessary knowledge about the methods is often scarce, and on the other hand, there is often a lack of time to engage with complex models and methods.

As part of this project, a guide for SMEs on the topics of innovation and business models is being developed to provide a low-threshold, time-independent, and SME-friendly access to these subjects. Instead of treating these topics separately, as is often the case, they will be presented as a mutually supportive combination and designed in an interactive format.

The goal of the guide is to connect the two major areas of innovation and business models and make them tangible for SMEs on a practical level. Furthermore, the guide is designed not just as an informative document, but as an interactive tool that encourages active engagement with the methods and tools presented. From the very beginning, readers are prompted to answer various questions related to their company directly within the document, progressively introducing them to the topic. Through the continuous involvement of the readers, it is clearly conveyed that the processes can also be implemented in a self-directed manner.

The result is a sustainably available tool with easy access for SMEs, which can be provided to entrepreneurs both as a digital document and in print. The document also includes additional links that allow for further exploration of the topics at any time.

Here you can find the guide and worksheets:

Innovation and Business Models_Guide

Innovation and Business Models_Worksheets

Funding Provider: DIH Süd