Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to create a value-based business ecosystem model for fifth generation (5G) mobile communications networks. To achieve this goal, we first identified the value potential antecedents and opportunities for the actors in the 5G ecosystem. To do this, we conducted a workshop in which we selected nine experts from different parts of the 5G ecosystem and addressed business/services, technology and regulation viewpoints. We practiced action research as a foresight method and used visioning for creating entrepreneurial business opportunities. Applying the opportunities, we then created a framework composed of the 4C model (connection, content, context and commerce) and a technological-functional model that could illustrate the position of the actors and their specific value-based strategic activities (i.e. cooperation, competition and coopetition) in relation to each other. The created framework can be used by telecom companies to understand and analyze the overall image of the 5G ecosystem. So far, this kind of molding has not been exploited yet in the 5G context and can be developed into more complex and full details of actors and their coopetition strategies for further application.