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How cluster initiatives support business model innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises : cases from a public university in Bolivia

Arandia Arzabe, Franco LU ; Olivares Ugarte, Jazmin Estefania LU and Bengtsson, Lars LU (2025) In Journal of Business Models
Abstract
Purpose
This research examines the experiences of small and medium-sized enterprises to analyze how Business Model Innovation (BMI) may be facilitated by cluster initiatives and examining the implications of how cluster initiatives can support BMI of SMEs in a lower-middle income country like Bolivia.

Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes a qualitative methodological approach of multiple case studies to investigate the support of cluster initiatives for BMI of SMEs in the context of Bolivia.

Findings
The main finding indicates that the SMEs get support mainly with value creation innovations, for example access to and use of technical equipment and knowledge, lowering their cost for innovation and... (More)
Purpose
This research examines the experiences of small and medium-sized enterprises to analyze how Business Model Innovation (BMI) may be facilitated by cluster initiatives and examining the implications of how cluster initiatives can support BMI of SMEs in a lower-middle income country like Bolivia.

Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes a qualitative methodological approach of multiple case studies to investigate the support of cluster initiatives for BMI of SMEs in the context of Bolivia.

Findings
The main finding indicates that the SMEs get support mainly with value creation innovations, for example access to and use of technical equipment and knowledge, lowering their cost for innovation and production and creating affordable value innovations. This type of support is satisfactory to owners/managers of SMEs aiming to incrementally change their local and traditional business model but may be of limited value to owners/managers of SMEs wishing to scale and/or more radically change their business model.

Research limitations/implications
This research project aims to improve the cluster initiative, to utilize the full potential of BMI for its cluster firms include careful selection of SMEs participating in the cluster initiative, trust-building activities and additional support to innovation in value delivery and value capture components of the business model.

Originality/value
The investigation distinguishes itself as a unique exploration of BMI among SMEs in cluster initiatives within lower middle-income economies. It elucidates the indispensable role played by universities in supporting the innovation of SMEs' business models, advocating for diverse approaches that require comprehensive coverage to exert a more significant influence on the topic. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
epub
subject
keywords
Business model, Business model innovation, Cluster initiatives, Lower middle-income economies, Small and medium-sized enterprises
in
Journal of Business Models
pages
27 pages
publisher
Aalborg Universitetsforlag
ISSN
2246-2465
DOI
10.1108/JOBM-04-2026-0001
project
Business Model Innovation and Transformative Innovation within interactive learning spaces for inclusive and sustainable development in Bolivia
language
English
LU publication?
yes
additional info
Licensed re-use rights only (follow the article link for more information)
id
0f335c20-fdf0-4978-b292-3076655a2d92
date added to LUP
2026-07-30 12:22:08
date last changed
2026-08-31 15:44:38
@article{0f335c20-fdf0-4978-b292-3076655a2d92,
  abstract     = {{Purpose<br/>This research examines the experiences of small and medium-sized enterprises to analyze how Business Model Innovation (BMI) may be facilitated by cluster initiatives and examining the implications of how cluster initiatives can support BMI of SMEs in a lower-middle income country like Bolivia.<br/><br/>Design/methodology/approach<br/>This study utilizes a qualitative methodological approach of multiple case studies to investigate the support of cluster initiatives for BMI of SMEs in the context of Bolivia.<br/><br/>Findings<br/>The main finding indicates that the SMEs get support mainly with value creation innovations, for example access to and use of technical equipment and knowledge, lowering their cost for innovation and production and creating affordable value innovations. This type of support is satisfactory to owners/managers of SMEs aiming to incrementally change their local and traditional business model but may be of limited value to owners/managers of SMEs wishing to scale and/or more radically change their business model.<br/><br/>Research limitations/implications<br/>This research project aims to improve the cluster initiative, to utilize the full potential of BMI for its cluster firms include careful selection of SMEs participating in the cluster initiative, trust-building activities and additional support to innovation in value delivery and value capture components of the business model.<br/><br/>Originality/value<br/>The investigation distinguishes itself as a unique exploration of BMI among SMEs in cluster initiatives within lower middle-income economies. It elucidates the indispensable role played by universities in supporting the innovation of SMEs' business models, advocating for diverse approaches that require comprehensive coverage to exert a more significant influence on the topic.}},
  author       = {{Arandia Arzabe, Franco and Olivares Ugarte, Jazmin Estefania and Bengtsson, Lars}},
  issn         = {{2246-2465}},
  keywords     = {{Business model; Business model innovation; Cluster initiatives; Lower middle-income economies; Small and medium-sized enterprises}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{11}},
  publisher    = {{Aalborg Universitetsforlag}},
  series       = {{Journal of Business Models}},
  title        = {{How cluster initiatives support business model innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises : cases from a public university in Bolivia}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JOBM-04-2026-0001}},
  doi          = {{10.1108/JOBM-04-2026-0001}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}