Value Co-creation in Business Networks Based on Customer Solutions in The Software Industry

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

PhD in Business Administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Solution networks refer to a relationship of actors who are connected to each other with the aim of integrating their resources to co-create value through solutions. Value co-creation is one of the key issues in the continuation of the implementation of innovative software solutions in these networks. The purpose of this research is to present a value co-creation model in business networks based on customer solutions in software companies. This research was conducted with a qualitative data-based method. The research data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 36 experts in Iran's software industry. The data were analyzed through three stages of open, central and selective coding, according to which 93 concepts were obtained in the form of 16 main categories. The findings of the research show that the alignment of employees and managers with network goals, transparency of customer processes and resources, the quality of provider resources and knowledge of the business ecosystem create value co-creation and conditions such as long-term partnership, Internal configurations, documentation and feedback, management of changes and uncertainties, and protection of intellectual property are also effective. Based on the results, value co-creation is not only an inseparable concept with solution business networks, but also requires a kind of strategic alignment at the level of some joint activities between the provider and the customer.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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Volume 10, Issue 2
Special issue for open innovation
September 2022
Pages 153-180
  • Receive Date: 20 February 2022
  • Revise Date: 07 June 2022
  • Accept Date: 16 July 2022