Business models and eHealth social innovations for social care services: Serving the two sides of the market

Purpose: The aim of the study is to explore a business model that can serve the two sides of the eHealth market with special focus on social innovations for social care in which elderly care is one of the main areas Method:: Explorative case study, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and workshop. A case study methodology allowed us to study a contemporary issue of worldwide interest, to perform the study in a real-life setting, capture experiences and expectations from the two sides of the market, and to deliver outcomes that can lead to an in-depth understanding of the requisites business models for eHealth social innovations must approach. Results:: A business model that serves the two sides of the market must offer a structure that supports interaction and transaction between different actors. A major challenge to develop effective business models is related to the absence of intermediaries or brokers that reduce transaction costs and stimulate comparative advantage. Brokers are thus required to establish links and to support the flow of up-to-date information amongst actors. Conclusion:: The broker business models is expected to close the gap that today exists in the eHealth market for social innovations because absence of marker-makers that bring together buyers and sellers, facilitate transactions, create dialogue and stimulate the two sides of the market. The outputs of this study can contribute to change the business-line thinking in health and social care and to identify a work-model that stimulate the two sides of the market.