Usage of external data to support companies for the identification of the potential for digital transformation

Today, companies in a wide range of industries are aware that they are exposed to a threat from the missed digital transformation - disruption. They also recognize the value of data, while data has been collected for years. However, there are many who do not know how to use the collected data efficiently to transform their business model, as there is no comprehensive support in the form of a method. This research project defines such a method to provide organizations with a tool to support the different aspects of data-driven decision making in business model transformation. Within the design research approach a method for the transformation of a business model with a focus on data was developed.The method is based on profound literature research. The evaluation process included interviews with experts who have done research in the field of digital transformation or who work in the area of data-driven business models. The developed method consists of a sequence of activities, some of which could be directly taken over from the literature research. The gap found was closed by a model that allows the user to transform the existing business model by focusing on data. The intention of the model is to comprehensively cover the aspects of data-driven transformation, resulting in an optimized or innovated business model. The research results indicate that the conceptual method is a suitable approach to support organizations in data-driven business model transformation. It enables organizations to transform their business model.