Business Model Transformation of a Service Provider on a Sharing Economy Platform

Abstract

The study investigates a business model transformation of a service provider on a sharing economy platform (Airbnb) using a dynamic business model perspective. The study takes an inductive approach and draws on the set of semi-structured interviews, observations and other sources from the longitudinal single case study. The study suggests that certain resources were crucial for business model transformation. It also uncovers the service provider’s multiple channel API (application programming interface) strategy whereby he uses API to cross-list the listings on various online platforms. The importance of own brand development for the service provider is discussed.