Exploring the Field of Business Model Innovation - New Theoretical

In this review of Exploring the Field of Business Model Innovation readers will find a rigorous academic survey aimed at researchers and advanced students who want a map of the field. The book synthesizes 50 management theories and places business model innovation in a broader management research context, making it most valuable for scholars seeking theoretical lenses rather than practitioners seeking quick how-to steps.

Key Features

• Comprehensive literature review: The book analyzes fifty management theories to show how each contributes to understanding business model innovation.
• Theoretical reframing: It presents grand theories that allow researchers to approach BMI from alternative conceptual angles and identify new research questions.
• Phenomenon perspective: Describes business models as observable phenomena, helping readers grasp recurring patterns and mechanisms in practice.
• Academic focus: Emphasizes research design and theory development, supporting doctoral students and faculty building BMI research programs.
• Field consolidation: Demonstrates why BMI warrants specialized study beyond strategy and innovation, clarifying its disciplinary boundaries.

Who It's For

This book is best for academic researchers, doctoral candidates, and advanced graduate students who require a systematic orientation to the literature on business model innovation and seek theoretical starting points for empirical work. It is also useful for faculty preparing seminars or literature reviews in management and innovation courses.

It is less suitable for managers seeking practical frameworks, step-by-step implementation guides, or case-driven toolkits; those audiences should look for practitioner-oriented titles with applied frameworks and templates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Broad, structured synthesis of the academic literature that helps clarify research gaps in BMI.
• Introduces grand theories that expand the conceptual toolkit available to scholars.
• Clear emphasis on treating business models as phenomena, which aids methodological design and comparative studies.

Cons

• Dense, theory-focused presentation limits accessibility for readers seeking practical, hands-on guidance.

Specifications

Title	Exploring the Field of Business Model Innovation: New Theoretical Perspectives
Authors	Oliver Gassmann, Karolin Frankenberger, Roman Sauer
Scope	Review of scholarly work and 50 management theories
Focus	Theoretical perspectives on Business Model Innovation
Audience	Researchers, doctoral students, faculty
Coverage period	Most important academic work over the last 15 years

Our Verdict

This book is a strong academic resource that consolidates theory around business model innovation and is worth purchasing for serious researchers and graduate students; it delivers deep conceptual value but is not a practitioner manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book practical for managers?
Not primarily; the emphasis is on theory and literature synthesis rather than step-by-step implementation guidance.

Who are the intended readers?
Primarily academic researchers, doctoral students, and faculty working in management, innovation, and strategy.

How extensive is the theoretical coverage?
The book analyzes fifty management theories and reviews major academic work on BMI across about the last 15 years.