11139: Developing Hyper-Scalable Business Models in the Age of AI

Recent research on scaling as multi-layered organizational process has shifted the focus from ‘how much’ firms grow to the more foundational question of ‘how’ they grow (Shepherd and Patzelt, 2022). While this work has enriched our understanding of founding conditions and characteristics as well as the knowledge about the scaling processes (Kotha et al., 2022; McKelvie & Wiklund, 2010; Motley et al., 2023), we know less about how entrepreneurs can intentionally design for and bring about scalability—i.e., the organizational capability enabling value-adding growth. Additionally, the transformative impact of AI upends fundamental assumptions about scalability as AI may enable startups to scale faster and with fewer resources, thereby unlocking entirely new value logics. These developments call for fresh theoretical perspectives. This PDW aims to engage scholars—from advanced doctoral students to established experts—in a joint exercise to explore scalability at the business-model level and inspire new research. We will realize this objective by (1) laying out the relevance and potential of a business model lens on scalability research, (2) examining the opportunities and risks of AI for scalable business model designs, and (3) co-developing an agenda for future research. The PDW consists of expert input through panel discussion as well as hands-on activities among PDW participants during roundtables.

To tailor the session to the needs and interests of attendees, we encourage voluntary pre-registration. Participants are invited to submit one paragraph sharing their perspective on scalability in the age of AI and mentioning any ongoing or planned research on the topic. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/js3LNsxtYM