The impact of artificial intelligence-powered primary value chain activities on the business model

Abstract

Recent leaps in the development of artificial intelligence have generated considerable investments in the technology and created high expectations for its potentially disruptive business impact. However, there is a lack of consensus on how artificial intelligence may affect adopters’ business models and which factors may moderate that relationship. The literature on the subject is fragmented and requires consolidation. Thus, this thesis conducts a systematic review of the existing academic literature on the impact of artificial intelligence on business models, organising prior findings and presenting a holistic framework for artificial intelligence and business model change. Artificial intelligence is firmly connected and interlinked with other digital technologies and should be considered in combination. The impact of artificial intelligence on business models is moderated via the mode of adoption (internally or externally developed), incumbency or new entrance of the company and digitalisation degree of the firm and ecosystem. Artificial intelligence adoption does not necessarily lead to radical business model innovation but, in most instances, only results in incremental business model change. Artificial intelligence-enabled business models regularly generate and deliver increased value, but the value capture is not directly dependent on artificial intelligence but other strategic factors. This thesis proposes a holistic framework for artificial intelligence’s impact on business model change to guide future research and practitioners in managing artificial intelligence.

Date of Award	30 Jun 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Philip Meissner (Supervisor)