A business model approach to local mGovernment applications: Mapping the Brussels Region´s mobile app initiatives

This paper uses business model theory as a framework to approach modern mobile government (mGov) applications and explore the role of public bodies within the volatile and complex mobile services sector. We propose and apply a new mapping methodology with a basis in business modelling that allows the comparison of mobile app initiatives by governments and can support the development or adjustment of a mobile strategy. We zoom in on the official applications released by different public administrations in the Capital Region of Brussels, Belgium. We find that the laggard position Brussels is currently in could be an opportunity to leapfrog in the field of mobile services, but that a focused vision, quadruple helix approach and clearly formulated mobile strategy is quintessential to achieving this.