Unleashing Business Model Innovation in the Era of Digital Disruption: A Multiple Case Study Analysis

Digital disruption no longer ensures the security or longevity of established firm structures and business models. Instead, it necessitates that firms reinvent their business models, including business processes, people, and technologies that align with the organizational goals. Despite the exponential growth of digital disruption, prior literature indicates that the concept of business model innovation is poorly understood in developing economies. Furthermore, little is known about how low-tech firms in developing economies should adapt and reinvent their business models to cope with and shape digital disruption as it unfolds. Grounded in two overarching theoretical frameworks, namely the theory of disruptive innovation and the resources–processes–values (RPV) framework, this chapter addresses this void in prior literature. Based on multiple case study analyses of 10 low-tech firms in diverse industries in Sri Lanka, the findings indicate that successful disruptive business model innovation in low-tech firms in Sri Lanka is predicated on an effective technology management strategy, suitable organizational structure, compatible organizational culture, and devoted corporate governance. Moreover, external influences like changing market dynamics, competition, and shifts in consumer behavior also significantly influence disruptive business model innovation of selected firms. This chapter acts as a springboard for future researchers by extending the theory of disruptive innovation and RPV framework to low-tech industries in developing economies.