The application of value nets in food supply chains: A multiple case study

Customer Value Creation—A Case Study of Indian Health Insurance Industry from Value Net Perspective

In the current era of digital business ecosystem, firms have been looking for fresh perspectives to frame its business strategies and create value for customers. Competitive advantage can be generated only when the value created by a firm for its customers exceeds the cost of creating such value. Creating value for customers in health insurance has been a strategic priority for insurance firms. Indian health insurance firms are competing in the area of launching new products which are technology driven and are striving to provide more value to the society through their services. This study explored the value creation process in the health insurance industry. Using case study research with health insurance industry as unit of analysis, this study explored the interactions between stakeholders within the boundaries of the health insurance ecosystem. The role of the stakeholders was explicated using the value net framework which categorised them into customers, competitors/substitutes and suppliers. A value creation framework based on stakeholder collaboration was proposed for the health insurance industry which would further enhance the competitive advantage of health insurance firms in India.

Food Supply Chain and Business Model Innovation

This paper investigates the contribution of business model innovations in the advancement of novel food supply chains. Through a systematic literature review, the notable business model innovations in the food industry are identified, surveyed, and evaluated. Findings reveal that the innovations in value proposition, value creation processes, and value delivery processes of business models are the successful strategies proposed in food industry. It is further disclosed that rural female entrepreneurs, social movements, and also urban conditions are the most important driving forces causing farmers to reconsider their business models. In addition, the new technologies and environmental factors are the secondary contributors in business model innovation for the food processors. It is concluded that digitalization has disruptively changed the food distributor models. E-commerce models and Internet-of-Things are reported as the essential factors causing retailers to innovate their business models. Furthermore, consumption demand and product quality are two main factors affecting the business models of all the firms operating in the food supply chain regardless of their positions in the chain. The findings of the current study provide an insight into the food industry to design a sustainable business model to bridge the gap between food supply and food demand.