Meaning ● Distributed Value Creation, for SMBs, represents a strategic approach to generating and capturing economic worth across a network of stakeholders, rather than solely within the confines of the company itself. Automation plays a crucial role by streamlining collaborative processes and data sharing among partners. In the realm of SMB growth, this can involve outsourcing specialized functions, enabling access to expertise without the overhead of full-time employees. The implementation often entails utilizing cloud-based platforms that facilitate seamless integration and real-time communication among the dispersed contributors. ● Consider it also as establishing ecosystems or alliances with suppliers, customers, and even competitors to co-create products, services, or solutions. For SMBs, this shift allows tapping into resources, innovation, and market access that might otherwise be unattainable. Effective implementation depends on establishing clear governance structures, defining value-sharing mechanisms, and fostering a culture of trust and transparency among all parties involved. It’s less about a traditional supply chain and more about a dynamic value network, and using the right technological platform.