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Notwithstanding a growing scholarly interest in stakeholder governance, the issue of how stakeholder governance can motivate a firm's stakeholders to cooperate to the transition to circular economy (CE) is still underdeveloped. This study intends to contribute to advance knowledge in this field by investigating the comparative effectiveness of three stakeholder governance forms – hub-and-spoke, lead role, and shared governance – to motivate stakeholders of a focal company (FC) to cooperate to the development and implementation of circular business models. Drawing on three case studies of Italian companies engaged in the transition to CE, we propose a contingent model of CE stakeholder governance. We found that the most effective stakeholder governance form at FC level depends on CE boundaries, the attitude of market forces to incentivise stakeholder cooperation to the CE, and the owners' identity of the FC. We also found that a FC can adopt different stakeholder governance forms for the diverse CE-enhancing projects it has undertaken, appropriately tailoring the governance arrangements to the nature of activities of each project and to the value, uniqueness, and complementarities of the resources held by the stakeholders involved. This papers makes both theoretical and practical contributions. From a theoretical point of view, it advances knowledge at the intersection of stakeholder theory and governance of the CE in two main ways: first, by pointing out that the transition to the CE requires a shift from a perspective of a company responsibility to its stakeholders to that of stakeholders' responsibility to a company, a supply chain or a local community they belong to. Second, by proposing some conditions under which shared forms of stakeholder governance are likely to foster this transition. From a pratical perspective, this paper suggests how stakeholder governance can be a tool to achieve CE targets at local community, industry, supply chain or individual firm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Born circular startups play a pivotal role in implementing high-level circularity to fight resource depletion and address climate change. In developing circular business model innovation, circular startups face the challenge of lacking legitimacy, which can be approached by certifications provided by concepts like Cradle-to-Cradle. As there is currently no supporting tool to develop such business models, this paper employs a design science research approach and proposes a Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) Business Model Tool. The tool is developed based on a literature review, feedback from 42 users in six demonstration workshops and is finally tested with eight startups. It succeeds in aiding born circular startups in navigating the venturing process with a focus on high-level circularity. In this paper, C2C principles developed for the product level are theoretically linked to the business model level. The tool addresses elements such as partnerships, communication, and action-taking, thereby contributing to the literature on circular business model innovation and serving as a practical resource for born circular startups. [Display omitted] • Circular startups face great challenges when innovating for circular business models. • Cradle-to-Cradle principles can enable high level circularity in business models. • Cradle-to-Cradle as a product level concept can be integrated in business models. • Proposed business model tool can support startups with Cradle-to-Cradle innovation. • Design science research contributes to bridging design-implementation gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conceptual study explores the alignment between servitization—a shift from selling products to offering services—and circularity principles. The study introduces institutional confluence—a configuration of institutional pressures that enhance business model legitimacy to stakeholders and facilitate operational success— which can serve as a driver aligning servitization with circular principles. Institutional confluence has the capacity to trigger novel business models, shape resources and processes, enhance value capture, and inhibit unsustainable business models. The study develops the concept and underscores the role of institutional confluence in promoting this alignment and subsequent environmental sustainability. The article utilizes illustrative case examples from servitization and circular business models to develop the concept of institutional confluence serving sustainable servitization. The study offers strategic insights for managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that integrates servitization and circularity from the outset of business model design. It advocates for policies that leverage regulatory, normative, and mimetic pressures to foster sustainable business practices. The article contributes to the servitization literature by delineating the mechanisms through which institutional forces facilitate or hinder the integration of servitization and circularity, offering directions for future research to explore these dynamics across different contexts and industries. • Management scholars have tended to view the uptake of servitized circular business model frameworks through an internal business model lens, with firm-level innovation capabilities. We look beyond the focal company and consider how business model development interacts with wider societal development. • This paper utilizes institutional influences as explanatory drivers for this process. • The paper introduces the concept of institutional 'confluence', a mutually reinforcing process of interactivity between institutional pressures, for servitized circularity. • Policymakers are encouraged to enhance normative socio-cultural pressures for servitized circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product service systems (PSS) are an example of a novel business model billed as having the potential to significantly reduce the environmental burdens of production and consumption processes. However, despite widespread interest in PSS, consensus regarding their actual environmental impacts, particularly with regard to salient issues such as global warming, is lacking. Hence this paper explores existing research to investigate the state of the art regarding the climatic impacts of PSS, alongside the set of factors that influence climatic impacts. The paper comprises a systematic review of peer-reviewed academic literature, quantifying the extent to which different types of PSS have the capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple product categories. Our study shows that significant reductions in climatic emissions are possible, but PSS are in many cases associated with more modest reductions and, in some cases, increased emissions. Further, we observe no clear differences in climatic impacts according to the type of PSS model that is deployed. Rather, differences in climatic impact are influenced by factors such as production and design alongside use-phase impacts and contextual factors such as transportation and the energy mix. The study argues that further research is needed to establish a more robust baseline upon which to draw conclusions regarding the sources of climatic impacts, and outlines fruitful ways for companies to tackle the complexities of climatic emissions that are beyond their control. • In some cases, product service systems can reduce climatic impacts by up to 80%. • In other cases, climatic impacts increase compared to traditional product sales. • Climatic impacts are influenced by use intensity, transportation and production. • Other contextual factors such as the energy mix play a role. • More quantitative assessments are needed with less reliance on estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional business models increasingly less accurately accommodate changes taking place in the market. Growing competition, sharing economy, digital transformation, corporate environmental responsibility, and increasing customer requirements exert pressure on enterprises to change their business mentality. One can easily observe the need for integrated, environment-friendly solutions that generate new value added to customers. To achieve that, we need new business models that would allow to discover new potential in new markets. In the face of dynamic market changes, traditional business models are increasingly less capable of addressing the growing competition, sharing economy, digital transformation, corporate environmental responsibility, and the rising demands of customers. There is a clear need for integrated, environmentally friendly solutions that generate new added value for customers. Achieving this goal requires the development of new business models that enable the discovery of potential in new markets. Therefore, searching for and creating new business models that would stand up to requirements is vital. These problems could be solved by a PSS considered a personalized business model operating in an extended time horizon. PSS is an opportunity to sell product functions and availability, as well as a perspective for multiple uses of products. This paper presents a pioneering attempt to develop a Product-Service System (PSS) business model specifically tailored for the plastics industry. An innovative approach consists in the integration of a machinery and a tool into a production unit and adding an array of services to it. This groundbreaking research, unprecedented in its scale, involved a comprehensive questionnaire-based study conducted across 60 plastics processing plants employing prevalent production techniques. The study is unique in its extensive scope and depth, as such an analysis of PSS business models within the plastics industry has not been previously explored in the open literature. The research methodology applied is thorough, covering a wide range of practical aspects crucial for the effective implementation of PSS in the plastics sector. This paper stands out for its detailed examination of 60 enterprises in the plastics industry, focusing on their interest in 95 services essential for the optimal operation of plastics processing plants and their engagement with representatives from the plastics industry. This extensive study offers valuable insights into the usage of machines and tools in plastics processing, as well as the specific needs, requirements, and challenges faced by businesses in this sector. Results of analyses demonstrate that interest in services differs depending on the size of an enterprise, processing technique, having a toolroom or not, product range, and the duration of breakdowns. A new PSS business model for plastics processing was built based on the analysis of PSS design methods and sectors to which they are addressed, PSS used in practice, plastics processing sector, questionnaire-based studies conducted among plastics processing plants, statistical analyses, advice and consultancy sessions with experts from the investigated industry, finances and trade patterns for machines. Until to date the question of precise design of such a business model for the plastics processing sector has neither been examined nor discussed or evidenced. The paper aims to bridge this gap. The approach to the issue was innovative, based on a questionnaire survey and consultations with experts which allowed to faithfully reproduce the current condition of the investigated sector. In addition, each service added on to the production unit underwent a detailed statistical analysis. The hereto presented business model is extremely comprehensive as it can be used in plastics processing plants of different sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decade ago, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) has emerged as a revolutionary concept destined to change the traditional transport paradigm. Indeed, MaaS envisions an integrated and on-demand transportation ecosystem where users have access to a variety of mobility options via a unified digital platform that centralizes information, ticketing, and payment systems for different service providers. Recognizing its disruptive potential, in this paper we examinate the effects of MaaS introduction in the market, with a particular focus on businesses within the industry. Specifically, we aim at investigating the dynamic nature of business model innovation within the MaaS business ecosystem, thus capturing the changes, adaptations, and innovations that organizations have undergone, providing valuable insights into the new value creation, capture and delivery mechanisms that have emerged. To achieve these goals, we have employed an inductive, multiple case study approach, focusing on a total of six renowned organizations representing two key actor categories within MaaS ecosystems: service providers and technology providers. Our findings reveal that, despite their heterogeneity, both service and technology providers have adopted similar strategies in their transition to MaaS. Utilizing the value creation, capture, and delivery framework, we developed distinct models for each of these categories. We have identified common firm-specific mechanisms which have been categorized into broader macro-level mechanisms of value creation, capture, and delivery, drawing from existing literature. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing academic literature related to MaaS and to business model innovation. Furthermore, they offer valuable practical insights for managers and policymakers, providing a guidance for strategic decision-making aimed at fostering the development and sustainability of innovative MaaS systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative networks (CNs) are joint entities of autonomous partners that work towards a common goal with shared resources and roles. In 2016, the United Nations announced 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 agenda. SDG 17 is "Partnerships for the goals" highlighting the importance of cross-country and cross-company collaborative action. Although the link between CNs and sustainable development is frequently declared, no study in the literature investigates the connection between CNs and the SDGs. This systematic literature review (SLR) follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Based on the SLR results, a context-interventions-mechanisms-outcomes (CIMO) framework for CNs is proposed, serving as a tool to comprehend the types of CNs to achieve the SDGs. Only 10 out of 77 articles mentioned the SDGs they address. The norm is to focus on a single SDG per study and not assess the dimension of the impact on the SDGs or the trade-offs that can be established between them. The most frequently mentioned SDGs in the text are SDG 9 and SDG 12, with only 2 articles focusing on the social dimension. SDG 10 and SDG 16 were not mentioned in any of the articles. The majority of articles are case studies and technical papers, developing scale-up solutions and creating value from waste. The identified gaps lead to the proposition of several potential research areas: 1) the need for developing mechanisms that allow CNs to effectively implement interventions that achieve specific SDGs; 2) the lack of studies incorporating the social dimension given the social nature of the SDGs; 3) few SDGs are addressed by CNs (particularly SDG 9 and SDG 12) and majority of SDGs are ignored; 4) there is a scarcity of studies targeting the tertiary sector; 5) the need for alignment of CNs' business models with the SDGs; 6) a lack of studies addressing specific SDGs (6, 10, and 16); and 7) the necessity of studies demonstrating collaboration between industry and academia for systemic change. The study aids decision-makers in identifying policies that facilitate the formation of CNs aligned with the SDGs. • This review of the state-of-the-art of CNs research within SDGs establishes a foundation for future research. • A conceptual framework for research on CNs within SDGs is designed. • A research agenda was presented based on what is emerging and what is missing from the literature. • Using the CIMO framework, prescription rules are established to guide actions or decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) strategies are largely adopted in the manufacturing sector. Nevertheless, the benefits of circular strategies could be reduced by the occurrence of the rebound effect (RE), defined as resource overuse due to improved efficiency in a system. Understanding the causes, mechanisms, and characteristics of CE's REs is therefore crucial for the effective implementation of CE strategies in the manufacturing sector. The main gap concerns the limited understanding of the occurrence of RE within CE in manufacturing. To this concern, five domains (i.e., business models, drivers, product lifecycle management (PLM), circular manufacturing ecosystem, and socio-economic aspects) have been initially identified in the twofold CE-RE domain. Starting from these, the paper aims to investigate and map the relations among these dimensions and unveil the related type of RE for each of them. To address this objective, a conceptual map, grounded on a systematic literature review (SLR), has been obtained to explore the five dimensions. The conceptual map showed the relations between the five dimensions and the possible occurrence of RE types (i.e., direct, indirect, economy-wide, and transformational). It turned out that the five dimensions are closely related. For example, socio-economic aspects were influenced by the adoption of circular business models and have a role in PLM strategies. Instead, from a RE perspective, socio-economic aspects dimension, linked to business model and PLM ones, could generate direct and indirect RE. The driver dimensions related to circular manufacturing and business models could cause economy-wide and transformational RE. The map of the relations obtained offers an initial framework to be exploited to prevent and mitigate possible CE's REs occurring in manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drones can play a significant role in the paradigm shift desired by several international entities. Although many attempts to transport through the technology have encountered regulatory barriers, drones represent disruptive mobility that can foster social and environmental sustainability. For the successful implementation of this new mobility model, the support of several stakeholders is critical. In this regard, the paper applies the theoretical lens of stakeholder theory embedded within the business 4.0 model for the creation of value propositions. Through several semi-structured interviews, the research analyses findings related to a single case study concerning the unique location of Venice, Italy. The city emerges as having international interest because of its singular transportation system. Specifically, Flying Aid, a start-up venture of the Strategy Innovation ecosystem of the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, uses drones to transport drugs to remote areas to promote therapeutic access for patients with chronic diseases and transportation difficulties. The paper contributes to understanding how a paradigm shift through drone transportation may improve patient engagement and overcome transportation barriers. It also expands stakeholder engagement by empowering healthcare providers and promoting knowledge translation and systems integration. Moreover, the research contributes to the investigation of environmental and social sustainability by advancing knowledge toward cleaner production and decarbonized mobility. Finally, the paper provides insights into the elements of the business model 4.0, facilitating value creation for stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the world has witnessed a sudden rise in population and rapid urbanization. This has led to an increase in the water demand and consequently an upsurge in wastewater. Water scarcity, coupled with untreated wastewater, has become a major concern throughout the world. Municipalities are challenged with the task of treating wastewater and meeting domestic, agricultural, and industrial demands. Mismanagement of wastewater results in economic, social and environmental loss. The high concentration of population, lack of sanitation and water security, reduced awareness, and evident pollution have made India a home full of opportunity and innovation in the wastewater management (WWM) business. The paper gives a comprehensive review to understand the wastewater management and business approach. The research uses Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) to identify, acknowledge, and interpret the major factors for the stakeholders and for future companies who wish to venture into the wastewater management business. The study provides insight into developing a circular economy solution and gives a vivid framework highlighting the relevant factors for a successful WWM business. The study also provides direction to the practitioners who are involved in the WWM industry and helps evaluate their options, prioritizing resource-efficient solutions. [Display omitted] • Develop a strategy for an efficient wastewater management business framework. • Identifying the factors crucial for the success of a wastewater management business. • An integrated multi-attribute interpretive structural decision approach is proposed. • Provides a pragmatic business framework with dependent and driving factors. • Managerial implication & policy insights for implementing the model are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to advance research on sustainability within the fashion industry by explaining the combinations of social, environmental, and economic values that form the basis of sustainable business models in the Nordic fashion industry and to identify the main challenges fashion companies face in developing such models, given the limitations in current literature. Through an industry-focused case study of the Nordic fashion industry, recognized for its homogeneity and sustainability leadership, this study investigates how Nordic fashion companies collectively create value through the lens of the value mapping tool. The study adopts an inductive approach through eleven in-depth interviews with experts, managers, and owners. Additionally, it integrates secondary data derived from published information, enhancing the understanding of what sustainable business models in the Nordic fashion industry entail. The analysis enabled the identification of twenty-six elements related to the durability and longevity of products and gender-neutral and timeless design. The results suggest that a more holistic approach to sustainability is needed to facilitate the companies' move from unsustainable business models to more sustainable ones. This article contributes to the literature by identifying broader patterns of value creation, value delivery, and value capture within the Nordic fashion industry. Furthermore, it enhances knowledge of social and environmental actions surrounding and examines barriers to sustainability activities. The practical contribution arises from the provision of a better understanding of the key elements in sustainable fashion business models of Nordic fashion companies, and thus, it is relevant to academia, practitioners, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing circular business models requires a combination of systems-level and company-level approaches, highlighting the importance of collaboration. While digital technologies can enable such business models, studies that shed light on the creation of multiple types of value in collaborative and digital technology-driven environments, are currently limited. This paper, therefore, aims to explore the process of designing digitally-enabled collaborative business models, using the UK plastics sector as a context that has seen a rise in new digital technology applications to plastics mandated by new regulations. To this end, we have worked with fifteen plastics sector organisations as part of an empirical qualitative study aiming to develop collaborative business models for a future plastics circular economy system in the UK. Together with the stakeholders, we have co-designed the value-retention and data-as-a-service business models that could be enabled by digital technologies such as tags. We show that the main stakeholder tensions relate to digital technology investments, access to recyclate and data, and digital asset management. We argue that such tensions might be the key cause of delaying experimentation with circular business models and enacting collaborations at the systems level. We suggest that future research could draw on quantitative data, such as investment costs to test these circular business models, in order to inform the discourse on infrastructural investments for sustainability. • Digital technologies enable new collaborative business models for plastics. • Value retention and data-as-a-service models are co-designed with stakeholders. • Collaborative tensions can hinder circular business model experimentation. • Technology investments, asset management, and feedstock access are sources of tensions. • A self-sustaining or subsidised system might incentivise collaborative action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global businesses are transforming towards capturing more value from services, a business model transition called servitization. Digital servitization can help create and maintain a competitive advantage, as well as offering opportunities to tackle major challenges related to environmental pressures and rapidly changing market conditions. This study aims to bridge the gap between the theory of digital servitization and its implementation in the maritime shipping sector. This paper presents a multi-case study that explores the status, perceived challenges, and enablers for the adoption of digital servitization. Empirical data were collected from interviews with 13 companies and analyzed using the PESTEL and DPSIR frameworks. The results are presented across three categories based on the PESTEL framework: organizational context, global priorities, and sustainability. This study contributes to theory by providing empirical insights from the status of digital servitization in the maritime shipping industry. Also, it identifies challenges and needs that can support the transition towards digital servitization and the development of more sustainable solutions. Future research avenues are suggested to advance digital servitization in other industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last twenty years, organizations have been increasingly asked to contribute to global challenges. Some of the numerous requests are to combat climate change, the pollution decrease, and energy issues. In this field, the strategic challenge to be overcome is changing the business concept from a mere creator of economic value to a producer of shared value. In this sense, the context of Smart Mobility (SM). Through a case study with five purposive samples of Smart Mobility start-ups, an expert in strategic innovation, sustainability management, and business model innovation, and an innovative project evaluator, the research analyzes the values generated at an ecosystem level, with a reflection on Venice (Italy), the world capital of sustainability. Specifically, flexibility, efficiency, sustainability, safety, satisfaction, and image are explored in depth. Furthermore, the problems that operators and users have to face are discussed. The results of our study confirm what is present in the literature: SM increases mobility, offers flexibility, and guarantees greater capillarity and customization of the service, broadening the field of analysis and suggesting proactive actions. The article contributes to understanding how some obstacles/problems slow down the development of Smart Mobility and its widespread diffusion. Finally, the paper reflects on how Venice can be an example and cradle of innovative solutions, also in the SM field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current planetary crisis and the perceived urgency necessitates more sustainable production and consumption patterns. Businesses, particularly the multinationals, play a key role in transitioning to a circular economy, which provides a promising approach to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Industry 4.0 technologies can theoretically support this transition and enable circular economy through, for example, data-driven and smart business processes. However, merging these new technologies with a circular economy is not a straightforward and well-established process and it fundamentally changes the business value chain. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic overview to help better understand the transition process to circular business models and the enabling role of industry 4.0. Merging these concepts underlines that many factors are interrelated and should be investigated in a holistic way instead of siloes. The findings imply that changes transcend business boundaries, including new value chain characteristics and operation models and indicate the interconnected nature of certain factors along the product lifecycle, including service-based models, circular design, reverse flows, consumers and users, and collaborations. This paper proposes a conceptual transition framework to address how new circular business models can integrate digitally adaptive transformations and proposals for future research are reflected upon. • Circular economy transition goes beyond the boundaries of one company and affects many elements in a business model. • Transition to circular business models implies that technological and human changes introduce challenges and paradoxes. • Different Industry 4.0 tools can be applied across business model elements to introduce circular economy principles. • We propose a conceptual transition framework that facilitates the transition from traditional to circular models. • We underline the benefits Industry 4.0 tools offer as well as the interconnected nature of the circular economy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing business models' sustainability impacts has become necessary to help firms transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy. Most firms face multiple challenges in developing sustainable business models. Many of these challenges can be solved by assessing the sustainability impacts of various business model designs. Various sustainability assessment tools and processes have been developed, each fitting different organizational needs in the sustainable business model innovation process. This paper seeks to develop a deeper understanding of this organizational process by analyzing the extant sustainability assessment frameworks and tools for business models and synthesizing the findings into a set of design principles (as meta-artifacts). We draw on a systematic literature review using a qualitative meta-synthesis approach. The proposed design principles can serve as guidelines in helping a company integrate sustainability assessment into its business model innovation process. The paper concludes by presenting a research agenda for future work in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops and examines novel insights into attitudes and behaviours concerning sustainable wine production and the Business Model (BM) concepts surrounding them. It employs multi-methods – two focus groups, survey (n = 350) and seven in-depth interviews. The aim is to analyse sustainable wine production and consumption in a specific context in order to better understand challenges, opportunities and expectations facing wine producers and the conditions in which they operate. Equally, the paper identifies emerging trends in the sustainable value chain. This research is highly important as the wine industry constitutes a major global industry with substantial environmental impacts. The research findings show the need for: integrated strategic vision; diversification into wine-related services; and marketing communications to inform and educate consumers, in line with BM innovation. Given the current paucity of research in this field, the present study provides novel and valuable insights and implications for business managers, policy makers and scholars. • Sustainable wine production fills a research gap, identifying emerging trends for business model innovation. • No universally accepted approach exists to evaluate sustainable wine production attributes and variables. • Sustainable wine production aligns with UN-SDGs, a blueprint to improve humankind by 2030. • Wine sector faces key constraints: sustainability and environmental quality. • France, major wine-producer, needs shift to sustainable production to minimize environmental impact and promote continuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dedication to sustainability means that business schools face challenges to their legitimacy. Teaching is the central activity through which business schools build legitimacy, and there are three legitimacy related aspects of management education which can be directly influenced through teaching: the overreliance on normative theoretical models in teaching and research, the distance between academia and practice, and the custom of developing academic silos. We suggest that the business model concept is especially well-suited to ameliorate these characteristics and support the development of more legitimate and sustainability-oriented business school. The paper builds on experiences gathered from a master's course in sustainable management where the business model was used as a key component in the analysis of the sustainability performance of selected case companies. The results show that the business model concept helps students to critically assess normative theories on management by introducing practice-oriented questions about how sustainable business management can be conducted and how value creation can be conceptualized for different stakeholders. The business model helps to bridge the gap between practice and academia by conveying an understanding of the complex reality that managers deal with. Furthermore, by providing a common terminology the business model improves the students' ability to make connections between subjects taught in separate disciplines. Nevertheless, the business model also poses a risk to teaching sustainability since it may be interpreted as elevating an economic perspective on sustainability. The paper both exemplifies how teacher led activities may help to ameliorate the challenge that sustainability poses to business schools and discusses the implications of using the concept as a part of legitimacy-oriented work. • Teaching business models lessens the potential for legitimacy loss for business schools. • Students find business models helpful when learning about corporate sustainability. • Elective corporate sustainability courses benefit from a common business terminology. • Combining business model teaching with real-life cases fosters engaged scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investments into new energy solution systems, and for example into producing carbon-neutral fuels, are increasing, but tools for the capital investments' feasibility studies are limited. Various contemporaneous attempts to reduce the dependence on fossil energy sources are needed, and a power-to-x (P2X) solution, which is part of the hydrogen economy, can be seen as one opportunity. However, many hydrogen economy solutions have not yet been proven to be economically profitable, but they could be if the investment projects were considered from a broader perspective than from company level and an economic perspective. In previous research, a three-stage economic and technology emphasized feasibility study (FS) framework has been created, and the early results indicate that the P2X investments can meet economic feasibility with over 12% of the investor IRR, and could offer profitable solutions towards a carbon-neutral future. However, the framework did not recognize the full potential of P2X through sustainability, and therefore a new extended version of the framework is needed. The objective of the paper is to create an expanded sustainable feasibility study (SFS) framework from the FS framework to support the P2X investments. As a result, an SFS framework is created, considering the investment projects' feasibility beyond the economic perspective by adding all three dimensions of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. The three stages of the framework are ecosystem profiling, business model description, and profitability modelling. This paper was made by utilizing the design science research (DSR) methodology and a literature review. Sustainable feasibility study (SFS) framework. [Display omitted] • SFS framework considers the investment projects' feasibility beyond economic perspective: incl. dimensions of sustainability. • The three stages of the SFS framework are ecosystem profiling, business model description, and profitability modelling. • P2X investment projects should study the ecosystem to support realizing the benefits of sustainability and circular economy. • P2X investment projects can meet economic feasibility with over 12% of the investor IRR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clothing consumption continues to increase worldwide, with many fashion brands facing criticism for producing poor quality garments which have short lifetimes, adding to already unsustainable levels of post-consumer waste. This paper aims to identify the causes of failure for different types of garments and discusses solutions through which to increase their durability. Recent literature has highlighted the need for companies in the clothing industry to progress to a circular fashion model and the important role of consumer attitudes and expectations in determining clothing lifetimes. Garment failure due to inadequate technical durability is acknowledged but has not attracted significant attention from academic researchers. This paper reports on a survey which identified different types of garment failure by assessing discarded items at end of life, explains the causes of such failure and reveals potential solutions, drawing upon data from a series of research projects commissioned by WRAP and Defra. The survey revealed that the most common causes of garment failure are pilling and colour fading. Other causes included fabric breakdown, accidental damage, loss of dimensional stability, logo failure, discolouration, and holes in seams. Increased garment durability is achievable by following best practice technical guidance but also requires effective management of product development and manufacturing processes. Implementation of technical solutions requires appropriate testing, improved technical skills and knowledge, collaboration to promote better design practices, and new business models that support garment longevity. • Clothing consumption continues to increase and is unsustainable. • The lifetime of many garments is unduly short due to inadequate technical quality. • A garment condition survey identified the most common causes of failure as pilling and colour fading. • Causes of failure and potential solutions were explored through a multi-methods research approach. • Solutions include better testing, improved technical expertise, collaboration on design, and sustainable business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have aimed to find sustainable solutions for future mobility because of climate and energy demand issues, making the shift toward sustainable-powered traction essential. However, high costs and the need for partnerships between public and private entities affect hydrogen mobility in its early-stage development. This study examines 233 papers from the Scopus database to shed light on a systematic road to this theme's main features and recurrent issues by adopting bibliometric and coding analyses. The main results show an expansion of publications from 1999 to 2022, which is related to the increased publications and scientific productivity of researchers on this topic and factors such as energy crises and restrictive oil price policies. Furthermore, the expansion of interest is also due to multiple initiatives by supranational entities. The study uncovers the most relevant journals, authors, countries of collaboration, and co-occurrences of keywords. Using a topic dendrogram, we discovered four search clusters: (1) hydrogen for sustainable development, (2) hydrogen as an alternative fuel for mobility: challenges, (3) hydrogen and policy implications, and (4) hydrogen and mobility reshaped. Based on the knowledge gained, our study confirms the challenges of hydrogen mobility and the difficulties associated with higher costs, mainly in sectors where the energy used for transformation is derived from sources other than renewable ones. Further implications show that an alternative to traditional engines requires substantial investment from public and private companies and proper business models. We provide a scientific roadmap of the most relevant issues for managers and policymakers to extend the use of hydrogen in the transportation sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe and analyze the novel type of circular economy business model that we define herein as "open circular economy business model." Unlike a typical circular business model based on six R-imperatives (reuse, recycling, redesign, regenerate, reduce, and recover), the analyzed business model leads to greater flexibility as it allows the incorporation of raw materials from the external organizational context into the internal sustainable production cycle. Hence, the societal benefits of adopting an open circular economy business model are potentially more significant than in the case of a conventional circular economy business model because it allows greater distribution of the benefits among heterogeneous external actors that interact with the organization. The study is based on the single case study of the Italian manufacturing company, which obtained significant market success by applying an open circular economy business model in the first few years since its incorporation. By examining in-depth interviews with principal organizational decision-makers triangulated with internal and external secondary data analysis, we describe the model's main characteristics while highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. The commercial success of the studied organization can be an incentive for direct and indirect competitors to implement similar business models resulting in the activation of system-level circularity-oriented behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product-Service Systems (PSS) are widely recognised as promising models for increasing circularity and sustainability in business, but the extent to which they contribute to sustainability is still debated. While growing and insightful, the literature on PSS sustainability fails to cover all the relevant aspects and to take stock of the ways PSS can be conceptualised as contributing to strong sustainability. We contend that if PSS are to be designed to be strongly sustainable, clear guidance is needed based on both clear normative premises and sound empirical knowledge. Based on systematic and non-systematic literature reviews on the drivers of PSS (un)sustainability and a long-course field work on the development of PSS in Brussels (Belgium), the paper identifies important sustainability challenges that PSS frequently face and that PSS initiatives should address. These challenges are articulated with insights from the sustainable business models literature and anchored in a strong sustainability pre-analytical stance. An original analytical framework based on 5 dimensions (access, substitution, systemic dematerialisation, territorial anchoring and sufficiency) and 15 criteria of Strongly Sustainable Product-Service System (SSPSS) is proposed. • Product-Service Systems (PSS) still need guidance to be developed in a transformative way towards sustainability. • PSS sustainability is appraised in relation to ecological economics, strong sustainability and sustainable business models. • Identification of what makes PSS strongly sustainable is performed through literature reviews and in-depth field work. • Criteria and relevant questions along five dimensions characterise "Strongly Sustainable Product-Service Systems" (SSPSS). • A definition for SSPSS is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While small and medium enterprises are already aware of the increasing benefits of resource efficiency, reducing waste, and closing material loops, the adoption of circular economy principles in small and medium enterprises is still nascent. Despite a large body of academic literature providing numerous definitions and business models to elucidate circular economy, these approaches lack systemic research from a small and medium enterprise's perspective and are often vague and overwhelming. Furthermore, small and medium enterprises lack financial and organizational resources to implement a (systemic) change to their already optimized business models. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by presenting a conceptual approach that not only serves as a decision-making tool and a possible starting point towards circular value creation, but also provides an initial estimation on how well forms of circularity can be achieved within the adapted business models. The developed methodology was applied to a complex product within the plastics sector. Starting with the product-disassembly-workshop, an in-depth analysis to identify various circular concepts was then conducted, using design thinking tools. The results are presented and summarized in the form of a decision tree analysis. Using a contradiction matrix and environment mapping tool, it was then attempted to narrow down the circular solution spectrum to a manageable level. To conclude, a cross impact balance analysis was applied to validate the identified business model scenarios. The presented methodology aims to show small and medium enterprises how to generate business model innovations systematically, narrow down the solution space in a structured manner, and how to evaluate the resultant solution options against each other and weigh their trade-offs. The tools and techniques used were chosen in such a way that they can be applied with as few resources and complexity as possible, and therefore can serve as a guidance for small and medium enterprises in their transition towards circular value creation. [Display omitted] • A conceptual approach to screen and adopt circular business models in SMEs. • Support tool to identify opportunities in adapting business for an SME to a CE. • Practical approach using existing business tools towards circular value creation. • How to generate BMI systematically from an SMEs perspective for a CE. • An everyday complex product as a practical insight into circular value creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, the market for electric vehicles is not scaling up as expected despite huge public subsidies and technological progresses. One potential explanation is the absence of profitable business models that support commercialization and drive wide diffusion of electric vehicles. Business models that served conventional cars may not be appropriate for electric vehicles because of technological limitations such as shorter driving range and long charging cycles as well as higher acquisition cost. Recent years, however, have witnessed a growing body of scientific literature on electric vehicle business models. Nevertheless, the insights from this literature are fragmented and rarely address the business model with all its constituting elements. In this article, we review relevant literature on electric vehicle business models and distill key insights along each business model element. This way, our study provides a comprehensive and condensed overview of state-of-the-art research, while identifying potential directions for future research for scholars. • The paper integrates insights from scientific literature about EV business models. • The paper develops 16 key insights along the business model elements. • These propositions integrate knowledge on electric vehicle (EV) business models. • The literature review enables us to discover potential directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rise of global emphasis on circular economy, the automotive firms in an emerging economy such as India in this context are bracing themselves for circular supply chain to recover the expended resources after formalization of End-of-life vehicle (ELV) norms, but these firms lack the knowledge about how to transform from Product-Service System (PSS) business model to circular business model. The extant literature doesn't mention clearly as to what drivers and sub-drivers are needed for adoption of circular principles in PSS business model. This paper aims to propose a multi-theoretical framework (the resource-based view, resource-dependence theory, and stakeholder theory) and identifies and evaluates drivers and sub-drivers. The paper adopts Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory multi-criteria decision-making method to evaluate the inter-relationship between the sub-drivers. A structural model has been developed based on the outcome of the empirical analysis. The study recommends that firm should focus on the important drivers (sub-drivers) – Circular Value Marketing (Recovery/Recycling information on a Product), Circular Services (Supplier adaptability for closed resource loop), Circular Product Design (Design of Sustainability Capability), and Reverse Flow Drivers (Incentives in Secondary Market for Recoverable Products). The implications are related to design, sourcing, and marketing functions and suggest the adoption of the influencing drivers and sub-drivers to create circular value. This study contributes to the literature of the circular supply chain by discriminating the causal relationships between factors that would help managers to develop product service systems strategy(s) to create circular value in the supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New business models have been attracting attention for their capacity to respond to the current society's challenges, maintaining a balance between social, environmental, and economic logics. This paper focuses on the so-called sustainability-driven hybrid business models, which operate in the interception of hybrid organizing and sustainable business models. Considering the dearth of research on the contextual factors that influence organizations implementing this model, this study investigates the attributes that alleviate the tensions of operating in an emerging economy, building on a multiple case study of eighteen Certified B Corporations from diverse sectors in Colombia. The main contribution was to provide a sustainability-driven hybrid business model archetype for Certified B Corporations based on the core business model elements: value proposition, value creation and delivery, and value capture. Drawing on the institutional pillars — regulative, normative, and cognitive-cultural, it is suggested that Certified B Corporations respond to tensions by adapting specific attributes of their business model to the particularities of the operating environment. The paper links the findings to the extant literature and offers recommendations for research and practice. [Display omitted] • A Sustainability-driven Hybrid Business Model archetype of Certified B Corporations is examined. • Certified B Corporations adapt business model elements when operating in emerging economies. • Specific business model attributes mitigate external tensions. • Certified B Corporations present a standardized business model globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community shared solar (CSS) program has great potentials in contributing to the complete decarbonization of the power sectors worldwide. Few research have focused on its potential diffusion from the user perspective. This paper fills the gap by conducting a survey-based unlabeled choice experiment in the Guangdong Province, China to investigate the determinants of potential users' willingness to participate in CSS programs. We analyzed the survey data using a random parameter logit model. Our results show that users are more likely to participate in CSS programs with lower upfront payment, trialability, shorter payback period, a public utility as provider and larger impact on climate change mitigation. However, they are likely to accept longer payback period in CSS programs with higher participation rate because of the potential benefit from interpersonal communication. Users' previous knowledge of CSS programs and income will also increase their willingness to participate in CSS programs with higher upfront payment. Our results provide important implications for designing policies and business models to promote the distributive renewable energy in China. • Community shared solar is widely accepted among surveyed individuals in our choice experiment. • The business model, and the ownership structure of community shared solar affect its potential adoption. • The interpersonal communication and public promotion of community shared solar program can increase its popularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing companies still struggle to change their business models to offer product-service systems (PSS). The business model provides an integrating concept that allows the analysis of key dimensions involved in PSS development. However, less attention has been paid to how to plan PSS business models and their implementation. To overcome these challenges, this work proposes a framework for designing a PSS business model, considering the concurrent design of sustainable operations and business models. This work adopts a set of transdisciplinary research approaches, namely: (i) literature reviews; (ii) construction of the proposed framework adopting a concept-based approach; (iii) empirical studies involving two small PSS developers; (iv) assessment of the proposal; and (v) further improvement of the framework based on feedbacks, interactions with PSS developers, and literature reviews. The framework can represent a PSS business model by enabling the joint visualization of the components of the business model and their alignment. It integrates the PSS 'value network' based on 'value proposition', and includes 'value drivers' or sources of value creation, namely: novelty, effectiveness, complementarities, and loyalty. As a result, this paper contributes to offer a framework that adds to the PSS business model research, enabling the development of more sustainable PSS. In particular, it extends the identification of challenges concerning the PSS business model design. Finally, PSS business models should be designed to taken into account value-in-use, co-creation, and integration of the sustainable principles to generate superior value for the 'value network'. • A transdisciplinary approach was adopted to develop a framework for product-service system (PSS) business model design. • The framework was developed to overcome the challenges of PSS business models' development and implementation. • The framework was assessed and improved based on the feedback, interactions with PSS developers, and literature reviews. • The proposed framework helps to add more sustainable value in PSS business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular business models are increasingly seen as enablers for the transition towards a circular economy. Perceiving financial benefits is an important driver for companies to make this transition, which is why knowledge of financial performance is required to support decision-makers. However, a lack of understanding of financial performance for circular business models has been identified as a barrier to transitioning. Therefore, this paper uses a systematic literature review to identify the state-of-the-art of how financial performance and its underpinnings are addressed concerning circular business models for each transition phase (i.e., ideate and design, implement and test, evaluate and improve). By analyzing the extent, context, and content of the financial performance discussions in relation to circular business models, the review identifies reasons for perceiving the transition as financially challenging and suggests specific research paths for each phase of the transition, to pinpoint where more efforts are needed. First, there is a lack of studies on prospective financial performance evaluation in the ideate-and-design phase. Second, retrospective evaluation of prototypes for circular business model experimentation lacks guidelines, and evidence and further investigations are needed on upscaling outcomes. Third, although retrospective evaluation gains more interest in the literature, guidelines and empirical evidence on selecting and designing prospective and retrospective indicators are still needed. Fourth, setting the evaluation scope is a key area for future studies. This involves having a long-term perspective and considering the offering from a business model level. • Financial performance as a driver for the transitions to circular business models. • Financial evaluation enables iterations in the transition process. • Need for tools and guidelines for financial evaluation to support decision-making. • Prospective and retrospective financial indicators design need more investigation. • Long-term and offering-level evaluation are key areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scaling the social impact of inclusive business models that provide solutions to basic needs of Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) communities through firm-centric approaches has proven challenging. Researchers have proposed that scaling strategies at the BoP should go beyond firm-centric approaches by inclusive businesses and involve coordinated synergistic action of their entire ecosystem to overcome systemic challenges and create value for all ecosystem actors. However, current research on this topic remains abstract and difficult to implement. This paper presents an empirically validated scaling framework designed to overcome this weakness and documents its design process. The framework takes account of the fact that inclusive businesses must work out scaling strategies together with key ecosystem actors, and that implementing a scaling strategy will almost always require mutual adaptation of business models. The framework design process entailed an extensive literature review and practitioner interviews as a first step, followed by testing, evaluation and iterative improvement through a series of validation workshops with actors of four inclusive business initiatives in Africa and Asia. The results indicate that the framework helps workshop participants to expand their mental frame, encouraging them to adopt a broader ecosystems perspective on scaling. This leads to identification and exploration of valuable business model adaptations for scaling that can be achieved through collaboration and assessment of the practical feasibility of different scaling strategies. [Display omitted] • Inclusive businesses at the Base of the Pyramid need ecosystem scaling for impact. • Scaling strategies need to be developed collaboratively with key ecosystem actors. • Strategies should entail mutual beneficial business model adaptations. • Collaborative sustainable business modelling can inspire scaling strategy development. • Framework application facilitates a business model ecosystem perspective on scaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent scholarship has started to recognize the need to understand the role of contracts in processes of circular business model innovation, particularly in Product Service Systems (PSS) business models. Ownership, usage right and risk allocation are key aspects of contract design, all influencing circular business model innovation. However, current knowledge of how contracts support emerging circular business models is limited. In this paper, we address this gap by presenting an in-depth analysis of a case study drawing on data stemming from the Fairphone-as-a-Service project to define key elements for a Circular Service Contract Template. Our findings support the idea that contracts, ownership, and usage right issues strongly influence the core elements of a PSS business model, such as servitization , longevity and modularity. Particularly, evidence from the case study confirmed the presence of tensions between ownership and contractual aspects when attempting to manage the circular business practices. • Key elements in circular economy contracts differ from linear business contracts. • Servitization, longevity and modularity are key aspects of CBMI. • Contractual mechanisms can enable critical CBMI processes in PSS models. • Contracts can be used for strategic purposes in CBMI for PSS models. • Contracts can enhance the applicability and scalability of PSS models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of developing sustainable and circular business models is quite complex and thus hinders their wider implementation in the market. Further understanding and guidelines for firms are needed. Design thinking is a promising problem solving approach capable of facilitating the innovation process. However, design thinking does not necessarily include sustainability considerations, and it has not been sufficiently explored for application in business model innovation. Given the additional challenges posed by the need for time-efficiency and a digital environment, we have therefore developed a design thinking-based framework to guide the early development of circular business models in an online and efficient manner. We propose a new process framework called the Circular Sprint. This encompasses seven phases and contains twelve purposefully adapted activities. The framework development follows an Action Design Research approach, iteratively combining four streams of literature, feedback from sixteen experts and six workshops, and involved a total of 107 participants working in fourteen teams. The present paper describes the framework and its activities, together with evaluations of its usefulness and ease-of-use. The research shows that, while challenging, embedding sustainability, circularity and business model innovation within a design thinking process is indeed possible. We offer a flexible framework and a set of context-adaptable activities that can support innovators and practitioners in the complex process of circular business model innovation. These tools can also be used for training and educational purposes. We invite future researchers to build upon and modify our framework and its activities by adapting it to their required scenarios and purposes. A detailed step-by-step user guide is provided in the supplementary material. [Display omitted] • Design thinking frameworks are adapted for circular business model innovation. • The Circular Sprint contains 12 activities to be applied in 7 innovation phases. • The method combined literature research, expert feedback and 6 workshops. • Sustainability orientation can support divergent and convergent innovation phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business model is a conceptual framework about value creation, management innovation, and strategy execution in organizations. As an important tool to promote the industry development and corporation governance, business model has been widely applied to study the foundation and development of waste recycling and utilization industry, only qualitatively. In this paper, by integrating system dynamics into an adapted business model canvas, a novel dynamic business model (DBM) is constructed to thoroughly diagnose the causal connections among the blocks of business model canvas, and systematically and numerically value the output of comprehensive performance, which is especially suitable for evaluating the impacts of policy intervention on industry development, quantitatively. In search of proper policy intervention with effective and positive impacts on the development of solid waste recycling industry, this novel DBM was then applied to phosphogypsum (PG) recycling in Yichang to analyze the behaviors of various subjects, including government, enterprises, and consumers, in the market of PG recycling. To effectively assess the development of PG recycling, there are two subsystems, production and distribution, within this novel DBM to quantitatively simulate the effects and effectiveness of policy intervention under four different policy scenarios, mandatory policy, technology-driven policy, promoting policy, and mixed policy. Affected by the synergy effects of diverse policies, the profit of PG recycling can be significantly increased to reach 2.94 × 109 CNY (12.02 times higher than that under mandatory policy), market vitality can be truly boosted, and the rate of PG recycling can also be remarkably raised by 3.94 times to greatly promote the sustainable development of PG recycling. This novel DBM can effectively promote industry development by quantifying the values and effects of policy intervention on the development of solid waste recycling industry. • An innovative DBM was constructed by integrating system dynamics into business model canvas. • The DBM quantitatively simulated the effects of policy intervention on PG recycling industry. • Various policies had positive impacts on the development of PG recycling industry. • The synergy effects of mixed policies were overwhelming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the volume of food waste is increasing, actions are required to mitigate the environmental and social impact of food waste generation. This paper investigates the business models of 41 selected startups (technology and service providers) to capture how companies avoid food waste or use food waste as a resource. The case study analysis, based on secondary sources, shows that some startup business models leverage Big Data Analytics (BDA) to avoid food waste by optimizing an existing linear supply chain, while other business models create value out of food waste by leveraging a circular food supply chain. We found that the latter business models are not fully exploiting the potential of BDA. Based on our findings, we derive three propositions and one corollary. Whereas BDA seems a necessary requirement for business models that are focused on optimizing a linear supply chain, it appears optional for business models closing the supply chain loop. The propositions also discuss the timing when startups should start developing BDA capabilities depending on the business model type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy has become central in the European policy arena, and the Member States have promoted a number of initiatives and programs to shift from their traditional linear economy towards a circular economy. This is particularly relevant for the construction sector, which is the highest producer of waste and one of the main causes of resources consumption. The paper objective is to analyse the present level of application of circularity strategies, identifying the related barriers and drivers, through interviews with building stakeholders across five European countries, Belgium (Flanders), Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark, and Italy. The analysis focuses on the building level and assesses the level of application in current policies and practices of circular strategies in three key field: resource and waste management, design for reversible building, and business for the networking of operators in the construction value chain. The results highlight the different and fragmented circular strategies currently applied in the analysed countries analysed, highlighting the need for more effective and coordinated actions and policies promoted by European Commission. In particular, the current legislative framework promotes the waste management strategies, focusing more on recycling practices than on reuse or resource management. The design strategies for reversible building are generally in private initiatives, driven by market competitions, rather than by public incentives. The application of circular business models and the creation of circular networks among the operators of the value chain is still lacking. Furthermore, the use of life-cycle tools to assess the environmental effectiveness (sustainability) of circular strategies is rarely applied. The recommendations that emerged from the comparison of the current applications of circular economy strategies across the countries analysed and demanded by key players in the construction sector interviewed, include the need for greater international coordination in terms of policy, practices and enabling tools (digital data, platforms, traceability). Improvements in both the legislative framework and practices are needed. Future development of research regards, in particular, the fields of digital supporting tools and environmental assessment (LCA), circular relationships and business models and the definition/training of new expertise related to enabling aspects. • Lack of attention for the building level in circular economy policies • Need for more coordinated actions and policies to encourage circularity in EU • Beyond recycling, reuse and new business models should be promoted by policy • Lack of evaluation on the environmental sustainability of circularity strategies • Need for enabling tools to promote circular supply chains and operators' networks [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the entrepreneurial potential and feasibility of developing a mobile system for purifying and bottling biogas in portable cylinders for wider society consumption and benefit. Our findings reveal that existing research has neglected the entrepreneurial potential in biogas energy that could increase energy supply and access in developing countries. Therefore, using a multimethod approach, the paper provides a comprehensive analysis of how an entrepreneurial business model could be developed and integrated into the biogas socio-technical system in Uganda. The analysis from the transitional model canvas shows that current biogas users have a relatively high satisfaction rate (50%) and with the adoption of the entrepreneurial business model this satisfaction could be captured on a wider social spectrum. Results from the feasibility study indicate that by sourcing materials locally, system builders (entrepreneurs) achieve a marginal cost reduction of 64% compared to when they are imported. Both findings from the transitional model canvas and the feasibility study indicate a high probability of not only reducing the supply gap but also a reliable energy source for developing countries and a potential for income generation and employment for the wider society. • Upgrading and bottling biogas offers a promising approach to realize Uganda's transition to bioenergy. • Materials for biogas purification are locally available and affordable in Uganda. • Integrating entrepreneurial business models into the biogas socio-technical system in Uganda is achievable and affordable. • Uganda's energy policy should support and promote productive biogas supply chains beyond private households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business model innovation consists of new ways of defining, creating, and capturing value including non-monetary value, and is an indicator of crossing traditional sector boundaries, thereby providing the necessary agency to achieve significant new market opportunities around technological innovation. Individual businesses may lack the scope or depth of competencies required, especially in the case of entrenched industrial structures, framings, regulatory provision, and consumer attitudes. Business models are thus potentially ossified within highly structured socio-technical systems. This article analyses innovation in business models arising from the confluence of two mature and stable industries under conditions of external pressure, deregulation, privatisation, and the emergence of a new, shared interest. We illustrate the paper with examples of vehicle manufacturers developing business concepts for vehicle-to-grid, domestic energy, second life, and industrial electricity provision from renewable energy. We find that in the period 2012 to 2020, 17 vehicle manufacturers used 38 electric models to test a diverse menu of options established from four applications with changes in boundary conditions that have influenced business model innovation. This process created space for energy policy and mobility policy to become increasingly intertwined as battery electric vehicles enter the mass market, raising questions over the future of automobility as well as electricity generation and distribution. • Electricity and automotive socio-technical systems are overlapping. • Potential synergies of system confluence are identified. • System confluence and transition shown to be shaped by business model experimentation. • Multiple business model experiments seen in search for the right solutions. • Prospects for commercial realization remain uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature on the circular economy business model (CEBM) has witnessed a sharp upsurge in recent years. Although scholars have investigated CEBM from several perspectives, including the green business model, waste management, digital technology, the supply chain, and the financial impact of CEBM, critical analysis of the extant literature has not attracted scholarly attention. The current systematic literature review (SLR) on CEBM is an attempt to critically analyse and appraise the prior findings by following robust research protocols. We analysed a pool of 126 studies to identify the thematic research areas, recognise the research gaps and present future research agendas. Subsequently, we classified the research themes, namely the drivers of and barriers to CEBM. The paper thus provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the art on the drivers and barriers involved in executing CEBM. By identifying existing research gaps and presenting avenues for future research, the SLR illuminates the nuances of CEBM implementation. Moreover, we propose an actor-network theory-based conceptual framework for CEBM implementation for further investigation. We conclude the study by providing the theoretical and practical implications for those attempting to overcome the barriers and address the challenges involved in CEBM implementation. • The circular economy has become a focal point of discussion in the recent literature. • This study systematically reviewed 126 studies on the drivers of and barriers to CEBM. • It presents the current state of the art on drivers of and barriers to CEBM implementation. • It delineates research gaps and future research avenues for each thematic area. • It proposes a conceptual framework highlighting the potential research areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building sector brings the main responsibility for energy consumption and GHG emissions in European countries. Although many policies have been placed across the EU to increase building energy performance, the current home energy renovation rate remains too low to achieve the EU's decarbonization targets. The One-stop-shop (OSS) concept is emerging as an innovative solution to boost energy home renovation and overcome barriers hindering the renovation process. The OSS is a physical or virtual place where customers obtain multiple products and services at one single point. Through literature review and desk research, 29 OSS initiatives have been analysed in the EU looking at their Business Models (BM). The paper aims to categorize and compare OSS BMs to increase knowledge about OSS functioning and capacity to affect and bring innovation to home renovation process. Three BM archetypes emerge, Facilitation model, Coordination model, and Development model. Within OSS archetypes, seven BM sub-categories have been identified and described. To provide insights for implementing new businesses and revitalizing the home renovation sector, OSS archetypes and sub-categories are compared and assessed, first considering four analytical frameworks and then looking at their capacity to overcome home renovation barriers. Results can be useful to foster energy home renovation by supporting the development of effective and targeted OSS initiatives across the EU. • One-Stop-Shops play a key role in fostering the energy home renovation process. • Several One-Stop-Shops exist in Europe and strongly differ in terms of business model. • Three One-Stop-Shop archetypes and seven sub-categories emerged from the analysis. • 5 factors shape the models: value proposition, services, revenue, partnership, social value. • One-Stop-Shop models lead to different impacts and benefits on the renovation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the leadership role of higher education in creating a sustainable development has been widely recognized, there is a paucity of studies following a strategic perspective to explain how universities integrate sustainability in the different areas of their activity to gain a competitive advantage and contribute to the sustainable development of a broad range of stakeholders. More empirical research on the design and implementation of strategies and operations developed by universities to re-orient themselves towards sustainability has also been required, as well as systemic frameworks for evaluating sustainability performance in higher education. This paper addresses these gaps by proposing a conceptual framework for diagnosis of the integration of sustainability in universities from a strategic perspective. In particular, the concept of a sustainable business model is first contextualized to higher education and then used for interpreting the core logic through which universities create value for themselves, society and the environment. In order to assess the applicability and usefulness of this framework, a cluster analysis of all the 61 Italian state universities is used to identify business models with different degrees of strategic orientation towards sustainability and to start discussing the relationships between sustainable business models and university size, geographic location and performance. • Higher education has a key role in creating sustainable development. • A conceptual framework of university sustainable business models is developed. • Universities are grouped on the basis of their shared-value creation processes. • Analysis revealed six models reflecting a different approach to sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on Sustainable Business Models (SBMs) has burgeoned, identifying different archetypes to capture the variety of business models applied. Little is known, however, regarding to what extent such SBMs are effectively driving sustainable performance. This paper addresses this gap by exploring how SBMs relate to sustainability performance, considering both overall sustainable performance and the balance across the three dimensions – environmental, social, and economic (integrated performance). Based on original survey data on B Corps located in Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, our findings suggest that the implementation of most SBMs results in the prioritization of one sustainability dimension over the others, especially when it comes to economically-oriented SBMs. Furthermore, our study suggests that none of the SBM archetypes considered is associated with a balanced sustainable performance, that is, none of them are inherently better able to overcome tensions across the Triple Bottom Line. • We study how SBMs archetypes relate to sustainability performance (SP). • Most SBMs prioritise a triple bottom line (TBL) axes over the others. • Economically-oriented SBMs are not connected with superior SP. • No SBM archetype drives a balanced performance across TBL axes. • A means-end divide emerges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scaling of circular business models (CBMs) plays a decisive role in the transformation toward more sustainable business practices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities (DCs) involved in the scaling of CBM initiatives. Based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 12 Swedish retail fashion companies, this research outlines a variety of microfoundations involved in CBM scaling practices. The Swedish fashion sector offers a rich empirical basis for further exploration of the microfoundations required for the scaling of CBMs. The study is theoretically grounded in a combination of the three DC classes of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring, and the three scaling logics of scaling out, scaling up, and scaling deep. This combination provides several new insights with respect to the expansion and growth of CBMs. In particular, the research emphasizes the actual activities and processes involved in efforts toward the scaling of CBM initiatives, which have so far only been researched to a minor extent. Furthermore, the application of different scaling logics offers clarity and a constructive understanding of how circular business practices can be scaled beyond the individual firm or CBM initiative. For practitioners, the combination of DC classes and scaling logics into a 3 × 3 matrix offers a tool for the identification, understanding, and organization of the dynamic capabilities required for different scaling logics of CBMs. • This research outlines the scaling practices of circular business models in 12 Swedish retail fashion companies. • Combining dynamic capabilities and different scaling logics provides new insights with respect to circular business models • The research provides an understanding for the organization of scaling practices of circular business models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]