A business model pattern arrives … and then? A translation perspective on business model innovation in established firms

This study examines business model innovation in an established firm. We investigate the case of a Swedish utility company that adopted and implemented a business model pattern originating from outside the firm. We draw upon Scandinavian translation theory to understand the micro-level dynamics of how business model innovation unfolds. Our findings show that the business model pattern is disassembled into its constituent parts, that these are translated separately and, little by little, (re)assembled into a whole to form a new business model. This process involves several loops of translation activated by the interplay between five practices: formulating, engaging, resisting, anchoring, and energizing. On the basis of our findings, we develop a business model translation framework. We thereby contribute to a better understanding of the micro-level perspective on business model innovation initiated by the adoption of a business model pattern. We also reveal that business model innovation processes triggered by business model patterns from outside differ from those taking place when a new business model is entirely developed within a firm.