Flevy Management Insights Q&A
What are the steps to implement value innovation in a traditional business model?
     David Tang    |    Business Model Innovation


This article provides a detailed response to: What are the steps to implement value innovation in a traditional business model? For a comprehensive understanding of Business Model Innovation, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Business Model Innovation best practice resources.

TLDR Implementing Value Innovation involves assessing the current Value Proposition, developing a Value Innovation Strategy, and meticulously implementing and monitoring the strategy, with a focus on customer needs and continuous improvement.

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Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they related to this question.

What does Value Proposition Assessment mean?
What does Value Innovation Strategy mean?
What does Change Management mean?


Implementing value innovation in a traditional business model requires a strategic overhaul that not only focuses on enhancing the value delivered to customers but also redefines the market space the organization operates within. This process involves several critical steps, each demanding meticulous planning, execution, and monitoring. The goal is to break away from the competitive landscape by creating new demand and making the competition irrelevant. Here, we delve into these steps, providing a roadmap for C-level executives looking to steer their organizations towards value innovation.

Assess the Current Value Proposition

The first step in implementing innovation target=_blank>value innovation is conducting a thorough assessment of the organization's current value proposition. This involves understanding the needs and wants of the target market, analyzing how well the current products or services meet these needs, and identifying gaps. A detailed competitor analysis is also crucial at this stage to understand the competitive landscape and identify areas where the organization can differentiate itself. Tools such as the Value Curve, popularized by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne in their book "Blue Ocean Strategy," can be instrumental in visualizing the organization's current and potential value proposition compared to its competitors.

It's essential to gather and analyze customer feedback to understand their pain points and what they value most. This insight can guide the organization in redefining its value proposition to focus on what truly matters to the customers. Engaging with frontline employees can also provide valuable insights into customer behaviors and preferences, as they are the ones interacting with customers daily.

Furthermore, leveraging analytics target=_blank>data analytics can uncover trends and patterns in customer behavior that may not be immediately apparent. This data-driven approach ensures that the organization's strategy is grounded in real-world customer needs and preferences, setting a solid foundation for value innovation.

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Develop a Value Innovation Strategy

Once the organization has a clear understanding of its current value proposition and the competitive landscape, the next step is to develop a value innovation strategy. This strategy should focus on creating new value for customers by offering something unique that sets the organization apart from its competitors. The goal is to create a "blue ocean" of uncontested market space where the competition is irrelevant.

Developing a value innovation strategy requires a deep dive into the organization's core competencies and identifying how these can be leveraged to create new value. This might involve investing in new technologies, rethinking the organization's business model, or exploring new markets. The strategy should also consider potential barriers to entry and how to overcome them to protect the newly created market space.

Collaboration across departments is critical in this phase to ensure that the strategy is holistic and takes into account the various aspects of the organization's operations. Cross-functional teams can bring diverse perspectives and insights, leading to more innovative solutions. It's also important to involve key stakeholders in the strategy development process to ensure buy-in and support for the implementation phase.

Implement and Monitor the Strategy

With a solid value innovation strategy in place, the organization must focus on implementation. This involves aligning the organization's resources, processes, and culture with the new strategy. Change Management practices are critical at this stage to ensure a smooth transition and to address any resistance from within the organization. Communication is key, and the leadership must clearly articulate the vision, the rationale behind the strategy, and the expected benefits to all stakeholders.

Monitoring the strategy's implementation is crucial to ensure its success. This involves setting clear metrics and KPIs to measure progress and impact. Regular reviews should be conducted to assess the strategy's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Feedback loops should be established to gather insights from customers, employees, and other stakeholders to inform continuous improvement.

Finally, it's important to celebrate milestones and successes along the way to maintain momentum and keep the organization motivated. Recognizing and rewarding teams and individuals who contribute significantly to the strategy's implementation can foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Implementing value innovation in a traditional business model is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires a strategic shift in thinking, a deep understanding of customer needs, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By following these steps, organizations can create new value for customers, carve out new market spaces, and secure long-term competitive advantage.

Best Practices in Business Model Innovation

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Business Model Innovation Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Business Model Innovation, take a look at these case studies.

AeroTech Business Model Innovation for Commercial Aerospace Vertical

Scenario: The organization in question operates within the commercial aerospace sector, facing the challenge of adapting its business model to the rapidly changing technological landscape and increasing competitive pressures.

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AgriTech Innovation Strategy for Precision Farming in Sustainable Agriculture

Scenario: A leading AgriTech organization specializing in precision farming solutions is at a crossroads requiring business model innovation to stay ahead.

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Retail Digital Transformation for Boutique Clothing Chain

Scenario: The organization is a boutique clothing chain specializing in sustainable fashion, facing stagnation in a highly competitive market.

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Business Model Revitalization for Specialty Retailer in Competitive Market

Scenario: A specialty retailer in the competitive apparel market is struggling to differentiate itself in the face of online retail giants and changing consumer preferences.

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Customer Experience Strategy for Boutique Hotel Chain in Hospitality

Scenario: The boutique hotel chain is at a critical juncture, requiring Business Model Innovation to stay competitive.

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Telecom Business Model Transformation in Digital Services

Scenario: The organization, a mid-sized telecommunications player specializing in traditional voice and data services, is facing stagnation in a highly competitive and saturated market.

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Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

How can businesses ensure alignment between new business models and existing organizational structures and processes?
Ensuring alignment between new business models and existing structures necessitates Strategic Planning, Change Management, Culture transformation, and a focus on Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement for sustainable growth and competitiveness. [Read full explanation]
What role does customer feedback play in the iterative process of business model innovation?
Customer feedback is crucial in Business Model Innovation, driving market alignment, product/service refinement, strategic decision-making, competitive advantage, and risk management by ensuring customer-centricity and market relevance. [Read full explanation]
What are the emerging trends in Business Model Innovation for 2023 and beyond?
Emerging trends in Business Model Innovation include Digital Transformation to improve Value Propositions, integrating Sustainability and Circular Economy principles, and focusing on Customization and Personalization for growth. [Read full explanation]
How can resistance to change, inherent in BMI implementation, be effectively managed within an organization?
Effective management of resistance to Business Model Innovation involves understanding its roots, strategic communication, fostering a culture of Continuous Improvement, and leveraging Change Agents. [Read full explanation]
What strategies can be employed to foster a culture that embraces rather than resists business model innovation?
Fostering a culture of Business Model Innovation involves Leadership Commitment, Structural Enablers, and Employee Engagement, emphasizing psychological safety, agility, cross-functional collaboration, and diversity to drive growth and competitive advantage. [Read full explanation]
How can executives ensure alignment between BMI and the company's long-term strategic goals?
Executives can align Business Model Innovation with long-term strategic goals through a deep understanding of the strategic context, integrating BMI into Strategic Planning, fostering a supportive Leadership and Culture, designing Performance Management systems that support BMI, managing inherent risks, and leveraging external partnerships and ecosystems. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: Business Model Innovation Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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