Identifying and Structuring SME Requirements for the Methodological Development of Digital Business Models

Journal of the Association for Information Systems

Abstract

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.

Authors 3

1. Henrik Cohnen Aachen FIR e. V.

   FIR e. V. an der RWTH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   FIR e. V. an der RWTH Aachen

2. David (M.Sc.) Evers Aachen FIR e. V.

   FIR e. V. an der RWTH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   FIR e.V. an der RWTH Aachen

3. Regina Schrank Aachen FIR e. V.

   FIR e. V. an der RWTH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   FIR e.V. an der RWTH Aachen