Business Model Transformation in the Digital Economy

This chapter explores the dynamic transformation of business models in the digital economy, with a particular emphasis on the interplay among technological innovation, platformisation, global value chains, sustainability, and human capital. It synthesises major theoretical contributions to business model conceptualisation, introduces a typology of dominant digital models, and highlights the impact of digital technologies on global production structures. Key attention is given to the role of platform-based coordination, the restructuring of value creation, and the convergence of data-driven services with ESG principles. The chapter includes two original contributions: a proposed definition of a digital business model that emphasises its relational and sustainable dimensions, and the Digital Human Capital 4.0 Framework, which outlines the core competencies needed in the digital economy. Through the integration of scholarly insights and conceptual advancements, the chapter provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding how business models serve as adaptive architectures that shape and accelerate digital transformation across industries and economies.