Chapter 42

Reverse Engineering

Taking lessons from competitors

A man sitting at his computer desk with two screens. Across him is a pedestal mounted with a cracked smart phone.

The pattern

In the Reverse Engineering business model, an existing technology or competitor’s product is analysed, and the information obtained is used to develop a similar or compatible product (HOW?). Since this requires little investment in research and development, the products can be offered at a lower price than their market equivalents (VALUE?). Reverse Engineering is not limited to products or services: for example, it can also be applied to whole business models, when competitors’ value chains are analysed, and their principles applied in the focal company.

The advantage ...

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