Innovativeness of business models in B2C and B2B online education segments in the USA

Abstract

Aim. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the structural and functional composition of innovative business models in the B2C and B2B online education sectors, and to identify the unique elements and factors that determine the success and novelty of these models. Objectives. To identify key development trends and current trends in online education, especially in the B2C and B2B segments; to identify and compare innovative elements of business models in the pre-university and corporate segments based on the analysis of online education project websites; to assess the degree of novelty of business models using the method of frequency analysis of business model elements based on data obtained from online sources.Methods. The study is based on the industry approach to identifying unique business models, analyzing the structuring of business models according to A. Osterwalder and I. Piñe, and assessing the innovativeness of business model elements based on frequency analysis. A comparative analysis of the two segments was performed in order to understand their specific requirements and characteristics, and to identify opportunities for cross-pollination of successful practices and strategies, which can contribute to the creation of new innovative approaches in online education. Data were collected from online education project sites and aggregated using SimilarWeb tool to assess site traffic.Results. The authors found that business models in the B2B segment show a higher level of innovativeness compared to B2C. The main elements of innovativeness are personalization of learning, integration with corporate systems, and development of specialized courses. The components contributing to innovativeness are identified, and recommendations for managing the structural components of business models in each of the segments are offered.Conclusions. The study indicates the importance of innovation in online education business models and the need to adapt them to the changing needs of learners and organizations. Ways to improve business models, including the integration of new technologies and the development of customized educational products for different market segments, are suggested.