Editing Business model (section)

=== Complementarities between partnering firms ===
Berglund and Sandström (2013) argued that business models should be understood from an open systems perspective as opposed to being a firm-internal concern. Since innovating firms do not have executive control over their surrounding network, business model innovation tends to require [[soft power]] tactics with the goal of aligning heterogeneous interests.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Berglund|first=Henrik|author2=Sandström, C|s2cid=293423|title=Business model innovation from an open systems perspective: structural challenges and managerial solutions|journal=International Journal of Product Development|year=2013|volume=8|issue=3/4|pages=274–2845|doi=10.1504/IJPD.2013.055011}}</ref> In a study of collaborative research and external sourcing of technology, Hummel et al. (2010) similarly found that in deciding on business partners, it is important to make sure that both parties' business models are complementary.<ref>{{cite book
  | author = Karl M. Popp
  | author2 = Ralf Meyer
  | name-list-style = amp
  | title = Profit from Software Ecosystems: Business Models, Ecosystems and Partnerships in the Software Industry
  | year = 2010
  | publisher = BOD
  | location = Norderstedt, Germany
  | isbn = 978-3-8391-6983-4}}</ref> For example, they found that it was important to identify the value drivers of potential partners by analyzing their business models, and that it is beneficial to find partner firms that understand key aspects of one's own firm's business model.<ref>Hummel, E., G. Slowinski, S. Matthews, and E. Gilmont. 2010. Business models for collaborative research. Research Technology Management 53 (6) 51–54.</ref>

The [[University of Tennessee]] conducted research into highly collaborative business relationships. Researchers codified their research into a sourcing business model known as Vested Outsourcing, a hybrid sourcing business model in which buyers and suppliers in an outsourcing or business relationship focus on shared values and goals to create an arrangement that is highly collaborative and mutually beneficial to each.<ref>Vitasek, Kate. Vested Outsourcing: Five Rules that will Transform Outsourcing" (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012) {{ISBN|978-1-137-29719-8}}</ref>