Become a Digital Business Developer (m/f/d): Your bridge to the digital economy

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A Digital Business Developer (m/f/d) develops, tests, and scales a company's digital business models and products. The focus is on market and technology trends, new online services, platforms, and data-driven offerings that increase revenue, efficiency, and customer experience in the digital space.

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The role works at the intersection of business, IT, and marketing,

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• evaluates business cases,
• manages pilot projects,
• and optimizes existing digital channels such as e-commerce, apps, or self-service portals.

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The further education at velpTEC provides a broad, future-oriented competency profile for this:

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• from strategic management,
• marketing, and sales
• to financing and business startups
• all the way to digital business models, data science, blockchain, digital transformation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.

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It qualifies you to develop digital innovations in a structured way, evaluate their economic viability, and implement them effectively within organizations.

At a glance
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• Focus on developing and scaling digital business models and products
• Interface role between business, IT, marketing, and data/tech
• Core competencies: strategy, finance, marketing, sales, and digital business models
• Strong digital focus: data science, AI, blockchain, digital transformation, and sustainability
• Target audience: individuals interested in digital innovation, the platform economy, and data-driven business approaches

Why is digital business development essential today?

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Digital business development is essentialtoday because competitiveness in almost every industry depends directly on

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• digital business models,
• platforms,
• and data-driven services.

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Customers expect seamless digital experiences across online channels, self-service options, and smart products—those who fail to deliver will quickly lose ground to more agile competitors.

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Digital Business Developers (m/f/d) turn digitalization into a growth project rather than just an efficiency initiative: they identify new digital revenue streams, develop suitable business models, optimize processes using technologies like automation, AI, and platform economics, and leverage data as a strategic resource to consistently align offerings with actual customer needs.

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• Customer expectations are shifting toward digital, seamless, and personalized experiences
• Platforms, subscription models, and data-driven services are transforming competition and revenue models
• New technologies (e.g., AI, data science, blockchain) open up additional business models but require structured evaluation
• Digitalization affects not only sales and marketing but entire value chains and service chains
• Without targeted digital business development, there is an increasing risk that agile competitors will capture market share or redefine industry standards

Your prospects as a Digital Business Developer

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Digital Business Developers (m/f/d) are in high demand because they help companies tap into new digital revenue streams and make their business models future-proof. They combine market insight, technical expertise, and business model design and are therefore key players when it comes to digitalization, data-driven services, and platform or subscription models.

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The job market is robust nationwide and there is a high volume of open positions with titles such as "Digital Business Developer," "Digital Business Manager," "Digital Manager," or "Business Development Manager (Digital)"—particularly in e-commerce, SaaS, industry, finance, and consulting.

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• Indeed currently lists over 5,300 open positions in the field of "Digital Business Development" in Germany (including roles such as Digital Business Developer, Digital Business Manager, and Digital Growth / Digital Strategy / Digital Business Development Manager).
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• On XING there are around 250 explicit "Digital Business Development" jobs, while StepStone shows several hundred additional results for "Digital Development Manager," including numerous "Digital Business Development Manager (m/f/d)" positions.

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The salaries are at the higher end for business-related roles and offer significant growth potential as responsibilities increase. Career paths lead toward digital strategy, product management, or digital leadership, extending up to Head-of and CDO roles.

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• High demand driven by digitalization, data-driven services, and platform/subscription models
• Thousands of open positions on major job boards in the "Digital Business Development" cluster (including related titles)
• Typical salary range: approx. €45,000 for entry-level, averaging around €55,000–€75,000, with significant potential to exceed €80,000 in experienced roles
• Traditional business development with a digital focus can reach salaries exceeding €100,000 in senior and management positions
• Career paths include: Senior Business Developer, Digital Strategy Manager, Product Owner/Head of Product, Head of Digital Business, Chief Digital Officer
• Additional qualifications in data analytics, AI, marketing automation, and platform strategy significantly increase market value and career advancement opportunities

The velpTEC training program at a glance

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Personalized learning concept: Content, learning paths, and formats are tailored to the goals, strengths, prior knowledge, pace, and daily schedules of participants; needs-based educational strategy following individual consultation.

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Hybrid learning & locations: Self-directed learning with 24/7 access to the learning platform, combined with in-person options at over 50+ velpTEC locations throughout Germany; suitable for full-time or part-time training.

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Quality & certification: Processes certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015, a process-oriented approach, and continuous improvement ensure a professional environment and sustainable educational quality.

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Practical & future-oriented content: A combination of theory and real-world case studies, workshops, and practical examples; content is continuously updated to reflect professional and future trends (e.g., AI, digitalization, green tech) in collaboration with labor market and future research institutes, as well as the practical expertise of our instructors.

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Didactic concept, daily learning & support: Individual pedagogical support from professionally trained instructors, promotion of self-directed learning in a trusting atmosphere, multi-professional teams, and a lived culture of intercultural appreciation.

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Focus on participants & funding: High-quality service, regular surveys, and feedback analysis for service optimization; AZAV-certified, eligible further education (e.g., education vouchers, up to 100% cost coverage) enable participants to secure their employability or re-enter the workforce.

Who is this further education program for?

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The Digital Business Development training is suitable for career changers and professionalswho work (or want to work) at the intersection of business, technology, and strategy and wish to take responsibility for digital growth projects.

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This includes, for example, employees from sales, marketing, product management, e-commerce, IT/IT project management, or traditional business developmentwho want to expand their digital skills and become more involved in developing new digital business models.

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It is particularly beneficial for individuals with a basic understanding of business principles and a strong affinity for digitalization, data, and online channels who want to act as drivers of digital transformation within their companies.

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Individuals from other commercial or technical fieldswho want to specifically develop their careers toward digital strategy, product owner, e-business, or innovation roles are also a typical target group for this training.

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What makes velpTEC training unique?

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The Digital Business Developer (m/f/d) training program at velpTEC is embedded in a comprehensive, personalized learning concept. The focus is on an individual learning path: content and curriculum are adapted to professional goals, prior knowledge, and preferred learning styles.

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Participants learn independently online with 24/7 access, utilize one of over 50+ locations throughout Germany , or combine both – in full-time or part-time.

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The learners are clearly at the heart of everything we do: velpTEC takes the time to provide expert advice, develops a needs-based educational strategy, and uses regular feedback to drive the ongoing evolution of our offerings.

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In terms of didactics, velpTEC focuses on high quality and practical relevance. The company operates with high standards and is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015; our process-oriented approach and commitment to continuous improvement ensure a professional learning environment. Theoretical knowledge is translated directly into practice through workshops, case studies, and projects – with a strong focus on future-oriented topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain, sustainability and Green Tech.

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Learning content is structured for optimal educational impact, supplemented by real-world case studies, and delivered by diverse, multi-professional teams of expert instructors.

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Personalized educational support and an appreciative, intercultural learning environment foster the personal and professional development of our participants, leading to successful graduation. Many of our programs are eligible for funding (e.g., education vouchers, AZAV-certified courses, with up to 100% of costs covered).

Curriculum: From Strategy to AI

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Our training at velpTEC provides the skills to

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• strategically develop,
• economically evaluate,
• and successfully implement digital business models.

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It combines business fundamentals with cutting-edge digital topics and is designed for individuals who want to drive digital innovation or develop new digital products and services.

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The program focuses on strategic management, finance, marketing & sales, digital business models, data analytics, AI, blockchain, and sustainable business leadership. All content is taught with a practical focus through case studies, methodologies, prototyping, and hands-on exercises.

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• Strategic Management: Analysis, corporate leadership, organizational structure, strategy development, and implementation
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• Start-ups & Financing: Developing business ideas, creating business plans, financing strategies (loans, investors, subsidies), and legal foundations
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• Marketing & Sales: Marketing strategies, CRM, sales organization, target audience analysis, sales management, and go-to-market approaches
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• Digital Business Models: Defining digital models, DVC framework, economic evaluation, prototyping, and platform and subscription models
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• Prompting Techniques: Effective prompts, adaptive optimization, zero-/one-/few-shot techniques, and iterative prompt structures
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• Data Science & Analytics: Exploratory data analysis, regression and classification methods, clustering, and machine learning fundamentals
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• Blockchain Technology: Basic principles, smart contracts, data protection & security, and challenges in implementation and application
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• Digital Transformation: The five domains of transformation, building digital platforms, data-driven innovation, customer networks
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• Sustainable Management: Strategies, reporting, key performance indicators, evaluation, and implementation of sustainable initiatives
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• Artificial Intelligence: Strategic importance of AI, developing AI strategies, implementation processes, and selecting the right technologies
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• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Structured communication, alignment with departments, management, and external stakeholders

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Your career boost: How you benefit personally & professionally

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This training strengthens your profile as an expert at the intersection of strategy, digitalization, and innovation. It provides the ability to systematically develop, evaluate, and guide business ideas through to implementation—including financing, marketing, sales, data science, AI, blockchain, digital business models, and sustainability.

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This opens up attractive roles such as (Digital) Business Developer, Digital Transformation Manager, Innovation Manager, or Product Owner with expanded responsibilities and career advancement opportunities.

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Professionally, this means better opportunities for positions with strategic influence, a direct contribution to company growth, and often higher compensation. Personally, you gain the confidence to thoroughly vet your own ideas, convince stakeholders, and actively shape change—a solid foundation for further steps toward leadership, consulting, or starting your own business.

More than just a course: Continuous development and learning

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"More than just a course" means that learning doesn't end with a certificate, but is understood as an ongoing process. In a professional world where technologies, business models, and customer needs are constantly changing, continuous professional development ensures employability, career opportunities, and innovative strength—for both professionals and companies. Those who regularly update their knowledge can adapt to new tools, markets, and requirements more quickly, remaining competitive in the long term.

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Up-to-date. For life.

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Change is the only constant—especially in digital professions. Lifetime access to updated learning content ensures that acquired skills don't become obsolete, but instead grow alongside new trends (e.g., AI, data science, blockchain, digital business models).

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This turns professional development into a personal knowledge platform: Content can be revisited whenever needed, new modules can be added, and your own projects can be supported with the latest know-how. This boosts self-confidence, operational certainty, and the ability to actively shape change rather than just chasing after it.

Checklist: Are you ready for your next career move?
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• Are you passionate about digital trends, new technologies, and their impact on business models?
• Are you interested in analyzing market and technology trends to develop concrete digital products or services?
• Can you imagine working at the intersection of business, IT, and marketing, bringing together different perspectives?
• Do you enjoy testing ideas, developing prototypes, and making data-driven decisions?
• Do you see yourself in a role that combines strategic thinking, creativity, and economic assessment?
• Do you want to take on long-term responsibility for digital innovation, product development, or digital strategy?

Why start now? – Your benefits at a glance

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Companies are increasingly investing in digital products, platforms, data strategies, and AI – yet many are struggling to find skilled professionalswho combine market insight, technological expertise, and business model design .

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Specialized training as a Digital Business Developer (m/f/d) positions participants exactly within this talent gap: it expands traditional business skills to include digital topics such as data science, AI, blockchain, and platform economics, making you ready to contribute to strategic digital projects across a wide range of industries.

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• Qualification for a high-growth, high-demand career field at the intersection of business, IT, and marketing
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• A combination of strategy, finance, marketing/sales, and modern digital topics rather than purely functional specialization
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• Strengthen your market position by building a profile in digital business models and data-driven products
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• Excellent prospects for salary, career development, and job mobility – from SMEs to large corporations and digital players
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• Meaningful preparation for future roles in digital strategy, product ownership, platform management, or digital leadership

Registration: How to easily start your digital career

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The training courses start usually every Monday, allowing for flexible scheduling ; the specific start date will be determined during your individual consultation.

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An initial overview is provided by our no-obligation virtual information session for private individuals,

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• which takes place on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and
• Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM takes place via Microsoft Teams and introduces the learning experience, content, and practical application.

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Following this, the onboarding process begins in these steps:

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• Application for the training program
• Targeted financial advice on funding opportunities
• Creation of a personalized proposal to start your individual learning journey toward Digital Business Development.
• Onboarding

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FAQ

What does a Digital Business Developer do?

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A Digital Business Developer (m/f/d) develops and scales a company's digital business models, products, and services. They analyze market and technology trends, identify digital growth opportunities, and translate these into concrete business models, features, and projects—such as new online platforms, data-driven services, or optimized e-commerce workflows.

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They work at the intersection of business, IT, and marketing, managing pilot projects, evaluating business cases, and optimizing existing digital channels such as apps, self-service portals, or subscription models. The goal is always to increase revenue and efficiency through digitalization and to strategically position the company in the digital market.

Who is this training for?

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The Digital Business Developer (m/f/d) training program is primarily aimed at individuals who want to position themselves in digital markets and actively participate in shaping new business models. This includes professionals from marketing, sales, product management, or business development who want to expand their profile with digital topics such as platform economics, data, and AI, as well as those in IT-related roles and career changers looking to move more toward business and strategy.

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For founders and those interested in developing their own digital business models, this blend of strategy, finance, marketing, data science, and digital technology provides a solid foundation for structuring ideas and bringing them to market.

What skills are taught?

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The program covers both classic business and management skills as well as specialized digital expertise. This includes strategic management, market and business model analysis, the fundamentals of marketing and sales, and entrepreneurship and finance. Additionally, digital business models are addressed systematically, including economic evaluation and user feedback through prototyping.

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On the technology side, data science, AI, prompting techniques, blockchain, and digital transformation play a central role, complemented by topics such as sustainable management and stakeholder communication. Graduates will be equipped to strategically plan digital business ideas, evaluate them based on data, and implement them effectively within companies.

What funding opportunities are available?

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Various funding options are available for the training program, depending on your individual situation. These include support from the Federal Employment Agency or job centers (e.g., via an education voucher), programs for employees as part of professional development, funding for specific target groups, and models where companies sponsor employees for targeted digitalization training.

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In many cases, installment payment plans or a combination of employer support and personal contributions can also be used. During a consultation with velpTEC, we will determine which options apply to your specific case and how to best structure the financing for your training.

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How long does the Digital Business Developer training take, and what is the time commitment?

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The duration and time commitment depend on the specific format but typically span several weeks. Learning phases consist of self-paced online study, supplemented by workshops, exercises, and practical assignments.

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During your consultation, we will clarify whether an intensive full-time setting or a more extended schedule makes sense, and how many hours per week should realistically be set aside to successfully manage the course content and practical projects.

Can the training be completed while working?

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The training program is designed to be compatible with full-time employment, thanks in particular to the high proportion of online and self-directed learning phases.

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The key factors are how much time you have available outside of work and whether your employer supports your professional development. During an individual consultation, we will assess whether a standard full-time format, an adapted model, or a combination of reduced working hours and training is most appropriate, and how you can effectively organize your daily work and study routine.

What role do technologies like AI, data science, and blockchain play in the training program?

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Technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, and blockchain are core components of the training, but they are treated in the context of digital business models rather than as ends in themselves. Topics covered include exploratory data analysis, fundamental machine learning methods, the strategic application of AI, blockchain basics, and typical use cases.

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The goal is not deep technical specialization, but rather the ability to evaluate these technologies in terms of their business value, integrate them into business cases, and collaborate with technical teams to design appropriate solutions.

How important are practical projects and real-world business examples?

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Practical relevance is a key element of the training: theoretical concepts in strategy, finance, marketing, data, and AI are applied to case studies and practical projects. This includes developing concrete digital business models, creating simple prototypes or MVP concepts, conducting economic assessments, and deriving action plans.

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This ensures that what you learn is not just understood conceptually, but can be applied directly to the typical tasks of a Digital Business Developer.

How does a Digital Business Developer differ from a traditional Business Developer?

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A traditional Business Developer often focuses more on overall growth, new markets, and partnerships—frequently involving a mix of analog and digital elements. In contrast, a Digital Business Developer works exclusively within a digital context, focusing on online channels, platforms, data-driven services, and technologies like AI or data analytics.

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While the roles are similar in their strategic aspects, the Digital Business Developer brings a much stronger profile in digital topics, digital products, and the design of digital customer experiences, making them particularly relevant for companies that are intentionally shifting their value creation toward digital business models.