Business model innovation in small enterprises from developing countries during COVID-19 outbreak: exploring drivers and BMI outcomes

Abstract

This paper aims to provide understanding of driving forces for business model innovation (BMI) during the pandemic for small businesses in developing countries, comparing them with identified BMI drivers before the outbreak and evaluating their response to the crisis. The qualitative multiple case study conducted allows the study of BMI within real life and contemporary context. Findings show that small organisations are influenced by internal and external factors towards BMI. Case organisations showed resilience to the crisis by adjusting accordingly to allow uninterrupted operation during lockdown;developing new products, services and processes that would ensure sustained demand during COVID-19 pandemic. The study explores theoretical implications of the findings. Also, lessons from this research could be useful for practitioners from developed and developing countries. Policymakers could benefit from focusing their activities on supporting firms to find novel ways of operating during the pandemic preventing further economic damage and unemployment.