Towards Influencing Factors on Business Models of Ambient Assisted Living Systems An Analysis of the German Health Care Markets

The aim of this paper is to close the research gap by combining state-of-the-art theory of value chain characteristics, business model definitions and financing options in order to realize profitable business with Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems. Relating to value chain characteristics, three main categories of elements are detected when comparing several approaches. In terms of AAL business models, a suitable definition is derived which is able to describe the creation of value in a multi-company environment. In order to conduct profitable business, both German health care markets are compared with their specific advantages and disadvantages. Due to the high burdens of Governmental restrictions in the primary health care market, AAL business models should focus on the secondary health care market in the near future. However, further research is required how to integrate service companies, whose daily business is to care for older people, into a business model as distributors of AAL technology.