Learning From Start-Ups – Ideas for Business Developers [How ABB Entered the Market of Energy Management Solutions]

For any corporation the chain from a business idea to a winning business model is highly challenging – even in high-potential markets. In the following work a mix of scientific methods like lean management, traditional and new established ones is used to investigate the process of business model generation. Therefore a theoretical framework on existing business modelling tools is used to develop a methodology for business model generation. In a case study, this methodology is implemented in the ABB building control product line searching for winning business models in the area of energy management solutions and its feasibility is evaluated afterwards resulting in three business models. Finally, it is shown to what degree even product lines in large corporations can act like innovative and agile start-ups. Keywords: Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Lean Start-Up, Business Model Canvas, Business Model Generation, Business Model Navigato