Paper Type
Short
Paper Number
PACIS2026-1664
Description
This paper aims to identify and systematically structure small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) requirements for the methodical development of digital business models. A qualitative research design was applied, combining a systematic literature review with expert interviews involving SME representatives. The identified requirements were consolidated and clustered into 13 core requirements, which were systematically structured along four overarching dimensions. The findings support SMEs in reflecting on their requirements for digital business model development and help reduce uncertainty when engaging with existing methods, while also providing a foundation for SME-oriented methodological approaches. SMEs increasingly engage in digital business models to extend their traditional product portfolios, maintain competitiveness, and leverage new opportunities. However, they face considerable uncertainty regarding appropriate methodological approaches. Despite the abundance of methods and frameworks, it remains unclear which approaches address the specific needs and constraints of SMEs.
Recommended Citation
Cohnen, Henrik; Evers, David; and Schrank, Regina, "Identifying and Structuring SME Requirements for the Methodological Development of Digital Business Models" (2026). PACIS 2026 Proceedings. 9.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2026/di_entren/di_entren/9
Identifying and Structuring SME Requirements for the Methodological Development of Digital Business Models
This paper aims to identify and systematically structure small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) requirements for the methodical development of digital business models. A qualitative research design was applied, combining a systematic literature review with expert interviews involving SME representatives. The identified requirements were consolidated and clustered into 13 core requirements, which were systematically structured along four overarching dimensions. The findings support SMEs in reflecting on their requirements for digital business model development and help reduce uncertainty when engaging with existing methods, while also providing a foundation for SME-oriented methodological approaches. SMEs increasingly engage in digital business models to extend their traditional product portfolios, maintain competitiveness, and leverage new opportunities. However, they face considerable uncertainty regarding appropriate methodological approaches. Despite the abundance of methods and frameworks, it remains unclear which approaches address the specific needs and constraints of SMEs.
Comments
09-Transformation