Business models and succession in family businesses

An interdisciplinary and international team is analysing how business models in family businesses evolve when the business is passed on to the next generation. The key questions are: How does the succession process affect the existing business model? What remains the same? What new elements are introduced? What challenges does the succession process entail, and to what extent can it contribute to business model innovation?

As part of the study, 30 family businesses in Germany and 60 companies in Poland are being surveyed; these are currently undergoing a succession process, are planning succession, or have recently completed one.

The aim of the research project is to develop a theory on the role of the family in the long-term and sustainable success of family businesses.