1. Introduction

The aspiration of companies to act as pioneers, and more specifically, as business model pioneers, is accentuated by the extreme frequency of change in today’s economic environment. With competitive advantages rapidly losing relevance, turbulent environments call for innovation and for rethinking tried-and-tested strategies. In times of growing competition, paired with constant changes in technological capabilities, firms have to constantly develop new ideas and find creative solutions for their customers’ problems. All 14 business model pioneers portrayed in the course of this book show a form of inherent awareness of fundamental customer needs. The book looks at business models that brought significant originality and individuality to the global business environment. Moreover, it analyzes organizations that had a long-lasting and significant impact on the marketplace, alongside with young and vibrant companies, helping to comprehensively understand the wide practical implications of business model pioneering.