Ten Propositions on the Future of Digital Business Models for Industry 4.0 in the Post-Corona Economy

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging politics, society and the economy to an unprecedented extent. Its effects are so drastic that it requires companies and industries not only to manage the crisis in the short term, but also to develop strategic options for the future. Although we have not overcome the crisis, it is already becoming apparent that the pandemic will act as a catalyst, reinforcing existing trends and thus fundamentally changing our everyday economic life and creating new winners. The business models that will prevail will be those that respond to changing economic and social behavior and new demands, using the full technological opportunities underlying Industry 4.0.Against this background, the Expert Group "Digital Business Models in Industry 4.0" of the German Platform Industry 4.0 has formulated ten theses on the future of digital business models for Industry 4.0. Formulated in form of propositions, they provide companies both with impetus and inspiration to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic from a strategic perspective