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To sell, to donate, or to barter? Value creation and capture through business model types in decentralized data ecosystems

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  • Jana Ammann

    (Institute for Digital Management and New Media, LMU Munich School of Management)

  • Thomas Hess

    (Institute for Digital Management and New Media, LMU Munich School of Management)

Abstract

Decentralized data ecosystems, enabled by data spaces, are transforming how organizations create and capture value from interorganizational data sharing. However, the implications of such data ecosystems on the business models of data-sharing participants remain underexplored. Based on 26 qualitative interviews with experts from two cases, we delineate and compare two generic business model types for data sharing: bartering, where participants share data reciprocally without direct monetary compensation, and marketplace, where data providers either sell or donate data. By comparing the two cases and their business model types, we find that while decentralization of technical infrastructure and governance enhances value creation, it simultaneously constrains value capture by increasing complexity and costs. Moreover, we demonstrate that the emergence of business model types is determined by the ecosystem’s contextual factors. By contextualizing business models and investigating the influence of decentralization on value creation and capture, our study advances the discourse on the business dimension of data ecosystems. These insights inform both scholars and practitioners navigating the complexities of data ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Jana Ammann & Thomas Hess, 2025. "To sell, to donate, or to barter? Value creation and capture through business model types in decentralized data ecosystems," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 35(1), pages 1-22, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:35:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12525-025-00775-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-025-00775-x
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Data spaces; Decentralized data ecosystems; Data sharing; Business models; Value creation and capture;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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