Abstract

Despite the advancement of technologies and novel use cases that are labeled as belonging to the next generation of mobile communications known as 5G, the future of 5G business models remains unclear. In this paper, we explore how the evolution of future 5G business could unfold. We construct a framework for analyzing 5G business models by combining resource configuration and 4C — commerce, context, content and connection — business model typology framework views, and offer an overview of 5G business model evolution. Specific attention is paid to four themes: resources, value creation, value capture, and the role of platforms. This paper tackles today’s unprecedented challenges of enabling and stimulating multiple cross industry stakeholders to have a more active participation in the 5G market. The results derived from the data collected from an expert workshop identify two transformations in the development of future 5G business: from connectivity towards context and from value chain integration towards platform orchestration. The developed resource configuration framework provides a dynamic framework for analyzing and developing the 5G enabled novel use cases and business models.