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An increasing number of used automobile lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) require appropriate treatment, such as disposal as solid waste, recycling of materials, or repurposing as second-life LIBs, to avoid undesired environmental consequences. However, the economic feasibility of these treatments affects industrial development. We propose a system dynamics business model (SDBM) as a novel approach for forecasting the economic impact of the industry in Japan, which provides comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessments. We designed three business models (BMs): repurposing, recycling, and circular production. Repurposing BM extends the lifespan of LIBs by encouraging battery owners and collectors to engage in the second-life LIB market. Recycling BM supports recyclers in determining cost-effective recycling technologies. Circular production BM provides a policy analysis to the government. We elucidate the anticipated benefits to stakeholders involved in BMs. If all stakeholders have community interests, a circular economy for automobile LIB recycling can be realized without government subsidies. [Display omitted] • Business model is complemented by a system dynamics approach. • The economy of the used automobile battery industry in Japan was modeled until 2050. • Business models of repurposing, recycling, and circular production were examined. • A circular economy for lithium-ion battery recycling is feasible without government subsidies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 5.0 (I5.0) can be described as the integration of sustainability, resilience, and human-centricity into industrial value creation. A novel framework for shaping a manufacturing strategy for the future Industry 5.0 paradigm is proposed. The I5.0 strategy framework consists of two main elements: (1) a process model and (2) a system model. The process model is based on the Design and Operations (DesOps) methodology while the system model discusses a fluid physical system as well as a fluid cyber system as relevant components of an I5.0 manufacturing system-of-systems. The research intends to contribute to the academic and industrial discussion towards forming a more practical guideline for managing the emerging I5.0 approaches and related technologies and to enable manufacturing companies to improve and maintain their competitiveness in a future I5.0 environment. Additionally, the authors aim to expand the knowledge foremost in the research field of strategy design and implementation by providing a decision-support framework for facilitating sustainable, resilient, and human-centric value creation. [Display omitted] • State-of-the-art for manufacturing strategy in an Industry 5.0 context. • Framework for the design and operation of a manufacturing strategy for the Industry 5.0 paradigm based on DevOps/DesOps. • Outline of a fluid cyber-physical-system (CPS). • Qualitative verification of the framework. [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]

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]

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]

This paper contributes to the establishment of product lifetime extension (PLE) as a field of study through development of a framework of product lifetime extension business models (PLEBM), and offering of a taxonomy of PLEBM. The proposed taxonomy of PLEBM draws systematically on characteristics of 150 organizations which are identified in the scholarly and managerial literature as engaging in PLE. By considering the full spectrum of PLE practices systematically, we delineate these organizations on seven dimensions (i.e., key activities, key partners, channels, customer segments, customer relationships, offering, and revenue streaming) with 30 corresponding literature-based features. A clustering procedure, with key activities and key partners as input variables, revealed seven mutually exclusive PLEBMs: Relational product-as-a-service, Brick&digital product nurturers, Quality product designers, Secondhand vendors, Marketer-managed access systems, and P2P access brokers. Overall, product nature improvement through design is found less prevalent than product nurture strategies, such as maintenance (maintenance/advice/training/consulting), recovery (remanufacturing and repair), redistribution and access schemes. This study also presents a state-of-the-art overview on how organizations and consumers extend (pro-)actively product lifetimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the literature has investigated what the most innovative business models are in order to successfully implement circular economy principles within a company. However, the majority of modern companies are still based on traditional business models thus, it is important to study how to get these companies to adopt more circular practices. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey of 821 Italian companies. A cluster analysis was performed to classify their current level of implementation of the circular economy principles and a logit regression was carried out to identify the most effective drivers. Five clusters were identified: 1) "information-oriented companies" (24%), the best at communication and marketing-related activities, but the worst in relation to all the other aspects; 2) "linear companies" (41.6%), those that perform poorly in all five phases; 3) "green marketers" (15.5%), which perform well in relation to design, production and consumption; 4) "optimizers" (10.6%), which focus more on production and logistics and 5) "circular companies" (8.1%), those that register a good performance with respect to all aspects. The bad performers, clusters 1 and 2, also registered the worst economic results in the last three years, whereas the "circular champions" reported the best performance. Finally, the logit regression showed that economic drivers were the most effective at encouraging "linear companies" to adopt more circular business models. On the other hand, no significant evidence was found of any influence exerted by the drivers related to regulatory pressure, resource exploitation risks, and the pursuit of environmental values. Image 108 • There is still a low level of circularity in most Italian manufacturing companies. • Economic drivers are the most important drivers of circular actions. • Regulatory pressures, resource exploitation risks and environmental value drivers are still ineffective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In recent years, several scholarly attempts have been made to conceptually outline the contours of the sharing economy. However, there is still limited consensus on fundamental characteristics of sharing models, the markets they create, and the controversies surrounding them. Based on an assessment of existing typologies of the sharing economy, this paper outlines a new theory-driven framework for describing and analyzing business-to-consumer and peer-to-peer sharing models that draws on the nascent literature of partial organization. Emphasizing the core organizational characteristics of sharing models (membership, rules, monitoring, sanctioning, and hierarchy), this new framework moves beyond existing definitions and scales used to map and analyze the fast-growing sharing economy field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To promote the renewable energy development and reduce the power grid safety risk, promoting the power local consumption generated by distributed photovoltaic energy has received increasing attentions. Moreover, with the power market development, integrating the power market trading with distributed photovoltaic energy is a trend in China. Aiming to these targets, the paper designs a business model integrating investment and consulting services into distributed photovoltaic energy system. First, to encourage the market trading and promote the power local consumption, the double layer power sale platform is designed consisting of both B to B and B to C platforms. And a discount power sale price for local consumption is carried out. In the power platform, power contracts with a punishment for power gap are signed before the power consumption. Second, the consulting services are cited to reduce the power gap caused by power market trading, consisting of power output, power load and annual new installed capacity prediction. Third, considering the local users' power demand increase brought by the discount power sale price, a dynamic investment is integrated in the business model. Moreover, the simulation model and a comparative analysis model of stakeholders' benefits of new business model is constructed. Finally, an empirical analysis is conducted. The results show that the new model not only can promote energy local consumption, improve environment quality, ensure power grid safety, but also increase distributed energy investors' benefits, and reduce users' electricity expenses and government subsidies. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The dynamic increment investment model of distributed generation is designed. • The simulation model of new distributed generation business model is set up. • Based on the consulting services, the investment mode and sale mode are combined. • The interactive consultation service module between supply and demand is designed. • The stakeholders' benefits under the new business model is calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In addition to fostering the rise of new players in various sectors, the sharing economy has attracted the attention of established companies, the so-called 'incumbents'. Some incumbents have joined the sharing economy to both reap its emerging opportunities and tackle newcomers' competition. The entry of incumbents comes at a time in which the sharing economy, still in its initial stages, is the 'battlefield' between actors defending its original sustainability promise, based on the efficient use of resources, social bonding, non-monetized relationships and power of the communities, and those supporting the need to compromise on the principles, to ensure the sharing economy's expansion. Given incumbents' size and power, their entry is likely to significantly affect the shape of the sharing economy. Our study explores the implications for environmental, social and economic value creation of the different ways in which incumbents are changing their existing business models to join the sharing economy. We develop a typology of business model innovation for sharing, which stems from the literature on sustainable business models in particular, and present illustrative cases of incumbents' entry in the sharing economy. For every type adopted by incumbents, the sustainability dimensions are subsequently explored, considering both the benefits and drawbacks of incumbents' entry in the sharing economy. The final section concludes, and discusses implications for research, practice and policy. Highlights • Incumbents join the sharing economy to address novel opportunities and competition. • Incumbents' entry will significantly affect the sustainability of the sharing economy. • The paper presents a typology of incumbents' business model innovation for sharing. • We highlight illustrative examples of incumbents' sharing types. • For every type the benefits and drawbacks for sustainability are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The sharing economy is seen as an important building block for transitions to sustainability. Although the sharing economy concept is widely used, comprehension varies about what makes a sharing economy business model. This study aims to review and categorize the field of sharing economy business model research, by reviewing the fundamentals of the concept of sharing and feeding them back into the business model literature. A comprehensive framework of business model categories is proposed, distinguishing four market segments of the sharing economy: Singular Transaction Models, Subscription-Based Models, Commission-Based Platforms and Unlimited Platforms. The study's framework is grounded in an analysis of sharing economy fundamentals and business model literature, contributing to a better understanding of the potentials of sharing economy for sustainability transitions and the implementation of business model innovations. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The literature on sharing economy business models is abundant though fragmented. • This research reviews the literature on sharing economy business models. • Analyze sharing literature through Value Proposition, Value Creation, Value Capture. • This work proposes a comprehensive framework of sharing economy business models. • Present four market segments, covering all business models of sharing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Combining sustainable consumption with the circular economy concept could help tackle challenges, such as resource scarcity and climate change by reducing resource throughput and increasing cycling of products and materials within the economic system, thereby reducing emissions and virgin material use. To achieve sustainable consumption in a circular economy production and consumption practices need to change. Business models can potentially influence both practices as it defines how a company conducts business and shapes the company-consumer relationship. This paper developed future business models for sustainable consumption through two rounds of semi-structured interviews with experts from academia, industry, and policy. During the first interview round, four business model elements that are important for sustainable consumption were identified: Resource strategy, Revenue model, Consumer effort, and Objective to (decrease/increase) consumption level. Based on these elements, we developed a comprehensive business model framework. Using this framework, experts envisioned future business models for sustainable consumption of clothing during the second interview round. The findings of this study suggest that the most promising business models for sustainable consumption are those that reduce overall consumption levels and consumer effort. Further, we found that a diverse range of business models in the market can potentially enable different customer segments to consume sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Circular economy increasingly attracts the interest of business, policy makers and academia in the search for answers to sustainability challenges. While earlier studies have presented drivers that support the introduction of new business concepts for circular economy, as well as barriers that hinder the rate of innovation in the field, no systematic categorizations of such factors have been brought forward. Drawing on current literature, a framework of drivers and barriers is introduced, including seven distinct areas: environmental, economic, social, political and institutional, technological and informational, supply chain, and organizational factors. The appearance and content of these areas in practice have been examined in four case organizations by conducting thirty-six qualitative, semi-structured interviews. Empirical illustrations of the potential barriers and drivers provide managerial implications for better execution of circular business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The purpose of this article is to advance research on sustainable innovation through a business model (hereafter, BM) perspective. We consider the BM as a boundary-spanning system that encompasses various firms, in which value is created, exchanged and captured. More specifically, we look at the changes called for by the imperative of sustainable development, through the perspective of the BM. When companies coalesce around well-entrenched BMs, sunk costs and lock-in effects emerge as formidable barriers for sustainable innovation. We posit that the multiple dimensions in which sustainable innovation creates value for BM participants have not been adequately studied. In this article, we seek to address that gap by exploring the following research questions: What mechanisms enable transactions in boundary-spanning BMs that seek to bring about sustainable innovation? Are there synergies or otherwise meaningful connections between the different collaboration mechanisms? Are there enabling mechanisms that may facilitate or hinder those mechanisms? We look at the BM of three green innovators: new entrants that created a niche in their industries with clear social and environmental advantages over imperfect substitutes. Our main contributions to the literature on sustainable innovation are: (1) the integration of social and environmental collaboration mechanisms in addition to the economic ones used by extant studies; (2) the identification of the connections among these social, economic and environmental collaboration mechanisms; and (3) the identification of a set of enabling conditions within the focal firms that facilitate collaboration at the BM level. We close with propositions about enabling conditions, collaboration mechanisms and outcomes (sustainable innovations). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays sustainability is receiving increasing attention, and particularly circular economy (CE) principles' applications within industrial sectors. However, a comprehensive exploration of CE-oriented applications – i.e., circular business models (CBMs) and circular supply chains (CSCs), – in the shipbuilding sector is actually missing, differently from other engineering-to-order industries, such as constructions. Considering the relevance of the sector, this study proposes a first step in filling up this gap through the systematic analysis of recent engineering and management literature on CE strategies within shipbuilding. As main result, we present applicable CE-oriented strategies and related supporting technologies, mainly referable to circular design, end-of-life, operations and inventory management oriented to product-life extension through effective disassembling. In addition, sustainability-oriented resource management represent essential activities in supporting the transition by focusing on eco-materials and waste reduction. Lastly, we highlight that the CE application is facilitated by dedicated supporting technologies, underscoring the importance of sustainability-oriented digitalization for the creation of social, environmental, and economic value for this strategic sector. The proposed solutions might orient shipbuilding companies in activating the transition towards circularity, even though predominantly focused on economic and environmental sustainability/circularity than social aspects. The presence of limited examples of applied circular solutions reduce the exploration of all possible solutions related to shipbuilding, asking for more applied studies and on-field exploration of the topic. • Applicability of circular economy in shipbuilding counts on digital technologies. • Identification of circular business models and circular supply chain strategies for shipbuilding. • Need of circular economy-oriented explorative studies in the sector. [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]

Abstract The circular economy (CE) has gained traction as a pathway towards more sustainable economic growth. The main actions leading towards a CE have been identified as the 3R principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. However, understanding is lacking regarding how the adoption of CE using the 3R principles generates value and revenue in a business context. Thus, this study structurally examines business models used by CE-driven firms utilizing the fundamental business model components of value proposition, value creation/delivery, and value capture. By developing a detailed framework of business model components, acknowledging the particular features of CE implementation, and conducting a multiple-case study combining the business model approach with the 3R principles, this study analyzes feasible CE business models from multiple industries in Europe, the US, and China. The following five research propositions are derived from the findings of the explorative case analysis: 1) the cost-efficiency of circular operations is the key proponent to successful CE business, 2) take-back services enable the acquisition of particular wastes as resources, but they need to be incentivized through reductions in customers' total waste management costs, 3) circular business models require the focal firm to separately manage multiple positions in the value chain, 4) the take-back system for gaining value through CE can be implemented successfully in multiple ways, and 5) recycling is easier to implement than reducing or reusing due to a smaller impact on the business. These propositions contribute to the circular business model literature by showing how economic value is generated by CE initiatives and providing foundations for theory-testing future research. The propositions also provide guidance for policymakers and managers on supporting and implementing circular business. Highlights • Analytical framework combining the business model and 3R-principles is developed. • Business model cases from China, the EU, the US, and Finland are analyzed. • Five propositions for implementing circular business are derived. • The economic value of circular business appears to rely on recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the widely reported benefits of zero carbon buildings (ZCBs), the actual uptake of the ZCB approach is low in market. Building firms need to innovate their business models (BMs) to overcome market barriers. However, there is scarce research into business strategies for ZCBs. This paper aims to develop a typology of BM innovations for delivering ZCBs from the perspective of developers and clients. This typology reflects the common features of BM innovations and can be used to help assess the performance of innovative BMs. The research was conducted through theoretical analysis of BM innovation and exploratory case studies of five real-life ZCB projects selected from Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK. The eight components of BMs at ZCB project level were found to be distinct from, or largely to extend, those at organizational level. The developed typology integrates three theoretical dimensions: value offering and associated project process, stakeholder network, and institutional boundary. The findings should help characterize and evaluate business solutions for delivering ZCB projects successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most transition studies are historical in nature and fail to arrive at prospective conclusions about future potential. In this paper we develop a new prospective transition framework, which revolves around the interplay between business models and socio-technical contexts. By looking at the dynamics of increasing returns, industry structure and the role of institutions, we analyze the upscaling potential of innovative bike sharing business models as introduced in Dutch cities over the past ten years (two-way station-based, one-way station-based, one-way free floating, and peer-to-peer sharing). We find that station-based business models are well institutionalized but harder to scale up, while the recent one-way free-floating model has the greatest scaling potential if institutional adaptations and geo-fencing technologies are successfully implemented. Peer-to-peer sharing is likely to remain a niche with special purpose bikes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The market of electric taxi has achieved rapid development in China recently, while further development is hindered by technical factors such as battery mileage and charging. First-tier cities as Beijing have explored and innovated in electric taxi business models to make up for the deficiencies caused by technological immaturity at the present stage. From the perspective of value chain, this paper carries out an analysis on current status of electric taxi business models in Beijing, and proposes a model for analyzing its economy. Moreover, a comparative analysis was conducted on the economy and sensitivity of battery changing and battery charging models based on field research data acquired from Pinggu District of Beijing. The research findings are as follows: a) overall, the battery changing model is better than the battery charging model economically. b) the sensitivity of the battery changing model to project period, carbon price and charging price is significantly higher than that of the charging model, because of its higher service frequency and greater service quantity. c) among all the influencing factors, charging price has the greatest influence on the two models. d) in the battery changing model, the breakeven point of the whole business model gradually declines as electricity price rises, so the battery changing model still can survive even without government subsidies. e) owing to vehicle loss, battery loss and other reasons, the two models have an optimal period respectively, but the greater loss of the battery changing model results in that its optimal project period is shorter than that of the battery charging model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production and consumption of energy requires sustainable business models. However, sustainability is a complex phenomenon, particularly in high-technology sectors that require the integration of diverse knowledge for sustainable innovation. Therefore, recent literature on the subject states that business model (BM) innovation, based on networks and partnerships, is crucial for sustainable development. The literature also calls for further research on how BMs change to ensure network adaptability. The resource dependence theory helps to explain how different levels of dependencies induce companies to create network linkages, transforming their business models for sustainability. This study offers empirical evidence on how new forms of interdependencies arising within the network drive changes in the BM of firms by focusing on the three main BM elements: value proposition; value capture; and value creation and delivery. The network forces its participants to widen their definition of value and include value creation for both company and society as a BM goal. The network also allows for the introduction of new concepts, knowledge, and practices, thereby creating and reinforcing a different approach to capturing value, based on new links among the participants. The evidence shows that networks help achieve sustainability goals by solving the problem of resource dependency; however, new resource dependencies on network partners, and the network itself, are seen to emerge. The results have implications for practitioners and future research on networks and sustainable business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst low or zero carbon buildings (L/ZCBs) are espoused in many policy instruments, with many examples constructed to demonstrate their technical feasibility, there is a scarcity of effort examining the role of business models (BMs) in the delivery of L/ZCBs. BM innovation plays a decisive role in improving a company's competitiveness because it could quickly convert emerging technologies into commercial values by reorganising company's internal structure and offers. This paper aims to identify the factors influencing construction firms' BM innovation in the context of L/ZCBs, and measure the relationships between BM innovation for L/ZCBs and its influencing factors. This paper first identifies the influencing factors of BM innovation for L/ZCBs at both external and internal organisation levels and conceptualizes the constituting elements of BM innovation through a critical literature review. The paper then conducts a questionnaire survey with 132 building professionals in Hong Kong, and analyses the collected data using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results from the survey show that favorable external environment towards L/ZCBs has a positive impact on BM innovation. Entrepreneurship of top managers and organisational learning capability of a firm are positively correlated with BM innovation for L/ZCB. Entrepreneurship and organisational learning capability mediate the relationships between external environment and BM innovation. The paper provides novel insights for building developers, contractors, and designers that wish to develop alternative business strategies and BMs. Research findings provide practical guidances on the process and elements of BM innovation for industry practitioners, and support the accelerated diffusion of L/ZCBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consolidation of the biorefinery concept has the potential to contribute to the sustainable development of agro-industrial regions, particularly in developing countries. The industrial symbiosis (IS) approach can leverage this potential through industrial cooperation, fostering new businesses, innovation and job creation coupled with reduced environmental impacts. We argue that coupling the biorefinery concept and the IS approach would invigorate traditionally agricultural regions, relying on endogenous vocation to promote sustainability. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential for development of an agro-industrial symbiosis network (ISN) from the construction of a biorefinery in the Norte Fluminense region (Brazil) – a region that has become highly dependent on oil & gas revenues but still has a tradition in agriculture and agro-industry. In this paper, we present the scenario analysis performed to design the agro ISN and an initial quantification of potential benefits. Four scenarios were developed (reference, short, mid and long terms) with the support of a synergy matrix and material flow analysis. Eighteen waste streams were identified and sixteen were addressed through the scenarios. In the long-term scenario, 14 productive activities could compose the agro-industrial symbiosis network, 8 of them as newcomers. “Quick-wins” were identified as residues in the reference scenario (CO 2 , fusel oil and used yeast) that could be absorbed by industries currently operating in the region. The emission of respectively 350 thousand and 55 thousand tonnes per year of solid waste and CO 2 would be avoided in the long term. Also, the production of succinic acid would provide additional revenue of at least US$19 per tonne of bagasse, adding higher value to the feedstock in comparison to electricity production. This study can prompt current recycling regulation towards multi-sectorial arrangements, which can better contribute to regional resilience than the single-sector reverse logistics’ arrangements that became recently mandatory with the National Policy on Solid Waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability entrepreneurs often rely on innovative approaches and business models to build a commercial logic for achieving social or ecological goals. We employ a deductive multiple-case study that builds upon a business model design framework to illuminate the commercial logic of hybrid/sustainable businesses. We identify four clusters of design themes and elements: niche novelty, integrated novelty, intermediary approaches, and platform approaches. We link our findings to the extant literature and provide suggestions for researchers and sustainable entrepreneurs for putting these design elements and themes into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a methodological tool that assesses a company's commitment to sustainability by analysing its business model (which is defined here as a description of processes through which organizations implement their competitive strategies and create value). Insofar as they are considered a key driver for long-term profitability, sustainability strategies should involve a company's value creation processes — that is, a company's business model. This paper specifically examines the extent to which mining companies engage in sustainability by performing content analyses of their business model disclosures. Our empirical analysis focuses on the UK mining industry because this sector often struggles with a host of societal, organizational, and environmental issues, and because UK mining companies are obliged to describe their business model in their strategic reports. In order to determine whether (and how) companies implement sustainability strategies in their business model, we perform a content analysis of the business model disclosures of 16 FTSE All-share index UK mining companies, for a total of 1048 text units. Our results suggest that mining companies have opted for a selective and soft approach to sustainability. Although Air, Energy, Water, Local community engagement, Environmental protection, and Labour conditions are often addressed in the business models of UK mining companies, there is very little evidence to suggest that concrete initiatives were actually implemented in other areas. In fact, some topics are completely ignored (Raw materials), almost completely ignored (Waste, Corruption and Lobbying, Local employment), or discussed in a predominantly descriptive manner (Human rights, Opportunity and equality, Recruitment and bargaining, Training). The practical implications of this study are twofold. First, we offer a new means of investigating how companies engage in sustainability by performing content analyses of their business model disclosures. Secondly, we offer a detailed discussion of how sustainability affects value creation processes in the UK mining industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy (CE) can be a driver for sustainability and CE can be promoted and supported by the creation of new and innovative business models, which embed CE principles into their value propositions throughout the value chains. This study focuses on the environmental value propositions of the CE business models. The term environmental value proposition refers here to an absolute value being a promise of environmental improvement, which a company provides to the environment by its impacts throughout the whole value chain. The aim of this study is to outline a framework for evaluating the environmental value propositions of CE business models. The framework consists of an environmental value propositions table (EVPT) and a step-by-step approach towards an evaluation process. The framework was tested in three CE business model cases. The outlined framework enables a better understanding of circular economy principles, combining them with the environmental value proposition. With the framework, companies can plan and design new CE business models or they can verify intended environmental benefits and analyse their contribution to sustainability. The biggest challenges, when applying the framework, were related to the estimation of environmental benefits gained from the environmental value propositions at the system level. In the future, intensive scientific work should concentrate on developing environmental assessment methods specifically for companies developing new CE business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reflects on the current state of the dynamically growing research and practice related to sustainable business models (SBMs), motivated by the question of whether dealing with SBMs is just a passing fancy or an emerging field, maybe even a field in its own right. We follow Ehrenfeld (2004), who asked a similar question for the field of industrial ecology in this journal, and reflect on the major beliefs and concepts underpinning SBM research and practice, tools and resources, authorities and the related community of actors. These elements are considered characteristics of a field and must be institutionalised in academia, industry and government for a field to emerge and progress. We therefore also identify some institutionalisation tendencies. As a result, we conclude that SBM research and practice show traits of an emerging field. It is however too early to foresee if it will develop as a sub-field within already established domains (“sub-field hypothesis”) or as a stand-alone field (“stand-alone hypothesis”). We argue that the sub-field and the stand-alone positioning may hamper the unfolding of the field's full potential. Instead, we propose that the SBM field needs to assume the role of an integrative field to break existing academic niches and silos and maximise practical impact (“integration hypothesis”). Our observations indicate that the SBM field is indeed developing into an integrative field and force. But we need to better understand and strengthen this development, for example by crafting a dedicated SBM research programme. A series of critical reviews could be a starting point for such an endeavour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) is widely recognized in the built environment as a crucial strategy for improving construction industry sustainability. This strategy can meet multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and offer effective solutions to environmental issues. Prefabricated modular building systems have proven to be a circularly viable method. This opens up endless possibilities for circular building systems. However, the selection of materials and preparation of sustainability strategies are still incomplete, hindering CE concepts' translation into practice. Moreover, few studies on the sustainability of modular building components and materials have been conducted, with most focusing only on individual aspects without addressing a comprehensive approach. This study proposes a topological interlocking system for designing reusable modular components that maximize sustainability. A two-stage evaluation method (AHP-TOPSIS) is used to construct an evaluation index based on the design and material of a building component. By incorporating CE strategies for reuse with a topological interlocking system, this study explores the potential of reusable modular components in sustainable construction and lays the groundwork for a circular economy business model (CEBM). • Integration of CE and the SDGs. • UHPC material is the most suitable for reuse. • Topological interlocking system is intended to enable reuse. • CEBM encourages 'rent to buy' strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housing practices are forcing accelerated demand for natural resources and flow-on effects contribute to severe environmental consequences. Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) offers some respite from this mounting pressure. To date, however, efforts to implement a CE have primarily focused on addressing the technical challenges associated with the long lifespan and complexity of buildings, overlooking the domain of housing. Research suggests that new business models should be developed as a precursor to embracing circularity. The Product-Service System (PSS) is one such promising business model. Yet, it is not well understood from the perspective of circular housing, with the existing literature scattered across several research streams. Using an integrative review approach, this paper investigates the concept of PSS and CE within the context of housing to describe their interrelationships and inform an integrated understanding of PSS as it applies to housing in a CE. A conceptual framework is proposed that discusses the PSS as a potentially viable life cycle approach to promote efficiency, longevity, and sufficiency for creating a CE in housing in three levels of energy, material, and space use. This paper further discusses renewed economic and social value proposition of PSS and how a transition to PSS practices may impact the housing industry's organisational arrangement. Finally, this paper critiques the state of the literature on this phenomenon, reveals gaps, and points to directions for future research, practice, and policy development. • An integrated review of 45 articles from the combined domains of CE and PSS in the context of housing is conducted. • The PSS is identified as a potentially viable life cycle approach for creating a CE in housing. • Industrialisation and digitalisation could facilitate a transition from traditional housing models to PSS. • Systemic and sociotechnical research is recommended to further develop the concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outstanding question in the entrepreneurship literature reigns, given recent emphases on sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility. If small start-ups are generally stretched for time and resources, does it enhance their chances for survival and success to be sustainable and socially responsible? New firms can aid in rectifying pressing environmental and social issues by being more sustainable. While many entrepreneurs like a sustainable business model and/or mission, investment may not follow so willingly. This paper examines a sample of 300 start-ups across thirty cities around the world to consider whether sustainability is rewarded by investors. Investors signal confidence in start-ups when they infuse life extending investments into them. This analysis also considers whether a more sustainable national context affects investor confidence and whether a sustainable firm within a sustainable national context gains more investor attention and investment. Results show that investors avoid sustainable firms, particularly those that are environmentally sustainable. Moreover, investors enjoy national contexts that are socially responsible, but pay no attention to those that are environmentally conscious. In addition, firms that are sustainable in a sustainable national context are not better off for attracting investment. Insights for policy are that mainstream investors are attracted by national social policies, but these investors are unlikely to be the main force behind sustainable venture growth under today’s conditions. [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]

Entrepreneurs and start-ups are key actors in implementing environmental innovation and accelerating sustainability transitions. Thus, analyzing as well as predicting the impact of entrepreneurial ventures is central to management and entrepreneurship research. The sustainability performance, value and impact of incumbent firms and their products and services has been a key topic in business-related sustainability research for many years. However, assessing the sustainability effects of new ventures such as start-ups is a neglected area in the research literature. This article therefore provides an overview, including key definitions, a new conceptual framework, and notions that can help guide and inspire a future research agenda. In this way, it also serves as an introductory article for the Journal of Cleaner Production's special issue 'Assessing and forecasting the sustainability impact of new ventures: Theories, methods, and empirical evidence'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ubiquitous electric vehicle adoption can drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) but will require equitable home charging infrastructure for all residences. Unlike single-family homes, Multi-Unit Dwellings (MUD) currently lack market share and access to nearby charging infrastructure partly due to expensive capital costs for reluctant residential property-owners. This work evaluates the levelized cost of charging (LCOC) for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) at MUD community charging hubs through a techno-economic analysis (TEA) that leverages real-world charging data and costs. Three different MUD charging types are investigated for a baseline and optimistic case: 1.9-kW Level 1 (L1), 6.6-kW Level 2 (L2), and 50-kW Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations under three different ownership models: resident, utility, and private company. Results demonstrate L1 and L2 chargers to be less expensive than the gasoline equivalent across the United States. Further, utility and private company ownership models, which avoid initial costs for residential property owners, result in a large LCOC premium for L1 and moderate LCOC premium for L2 relative to the resident ownership model. In contrast, DCFC is shown to be expensive for baseline scenarios but economical for optimistic scenarios especially under private company ownership. This work also performs a cradle to grave (C2G) life cycle assessment (LCA) of an average passenger BEV and gasoline conventional vehicle (CV) using yearly (grid mix & vehicle parameters), hourly (grid mix), and state-level (grid mix) resolution. Results show BEVs to have lower GHG emissions (−86% to −10%) than gasoline CVs in the contiguous U.S. Next, the system boundary of the TEA is extended to the total cost of ownership (TCO) of BEVs. The TCO is then coupled with the C2G GHG emissions to calculate the cost of GHG emissions reduction. Ultimately, the cost of GHG emissions reduction from MUD BEVs relative to gasoline CVs is shown to be negative for every scenario except baseline DCFC, meaning MUD BEV charging infrastructure can be a cost-effective endeavor to reduce GHG emissions. • Level 2 charging at Multi-Unit Dwellings costs more than at single-family homes. • The order of least-cost ownership models is resident, utility, and private company. • With high utilization, Direct Current Fast Charging is cost-competitive with Level 2. • Battery Electric Vehicles can have a negative cost of greenhouse gas reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies for sustainable development are arguably part of the most discussed issues among political and corporate actors. These discussions are spurred by global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and critical natural resource depletion. Sustainable development will require deep structural and wide-reaching changes in current institutions, technologies, and businesses. Furthermore, new approaches are needed to facilitate the development, diffusion, and implementation of environmental technologies. In the academic discourse different concepts, e.g., ecodesign and Product/Service System design, have been proposed within the framework of sustainable development. To deliver even more system-wide environmental improvements, these concepts have been challenged to be expanded in focus beyond products and services to include large technical systems encompassing non-technological dimensions. Motivated by these, the goal of this article is twofold. First, to offer an expanded view on ecodesign of Product/Service Systems using a perspective of large technical systems. Second, to propose and discuss important components to consider when developing business concepts for the diffusion of large scaled environmental technology systems such as district heating supply, waste management, and renewable energy systems. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews and company documentation analysis, this study examines five companies that develop and diffuse large scaled environmental technology systems. As a result of these case studies, we propose components of business concepts that incorporate both technological and non-technological dimensions. Our proposed business concept components are: market (including regulation), finance, resources, activities, partnership (especially public-private partnership), ownership and responsibility, and legitimacy. Regulation, public-private partnership, and legitimacy are particularly important in the diffusion of large scaled environmental technology systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformative change of energy systems towards distributed renewable technologies requires not only technological but also organisational innovation in order to engage broad segments of the private consumer market. Using the business model concept as an analytical tool, this comparative study investigates organisational configurations related to the deployment of customer-sited photovoltaic (PV) systems in Germany, Japan and the United States. Results show how the deployment of customer-sited PV systems in these three countries has been enabled and catalysed through distinctively different business models. Specifically, solar firms have managed to overcome various barriers to the adoption of PV in distinct ways. Furthermore, we identify a number of contextual conditions that have shaped the design and mode of operation of the respective business models in the three countries. The study provides novel insights for both policy makers and solar firms that wish to develop alternative governance models and new business strategies, respectively. Such insights are important to support the accelerated diffusion of distributed PV systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of mounting public environmental and societal concerns, firms are incorporating sustainability into their business models. However, previous research has paid little attention to how companies can renew their business model to take better account of environmental sustainability at the organizational level in their business ecosystems. This study fills this gap in the literature through a longitudinal case study of the greening of the business model of the US-based carpet manufacturer Interface. The findings delineate the change in the company's business model, stressing the role of managerial agency in organizational identity formation and in making a favorable change in the ecosystem. Hence, the study examines the links between managerial agency, organizational identity, and business ecosystems with regards to business model greening, and it discusses how shifts in managerial thinking have enabled the company to build the capabilities needed for the change. The article concludes by linking the findings to the body of knowledge on strategic change and providing a new conceptualization of a company's business model greening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of solid wood biofuels for energy production in heating plants has increased drastically during the last decades. Great interest has been shown in replacing unsustainable road transport of wood fuel with more sustainable intermodal transport. This paper maps the common business models for biofuel transport in Sweden and suggests how these models may be developed to accommodate intermodal transport. A view of the biofuel supply chain as five overlapping networks (industry, material, operations, transport, and infrastructure) connected by four transaction markets (sourcing, operations, transport, and traffic) have been used. Four typical business models have been found: Regional/National Biofuel Company, Local Biofuel Company, Heating Plant Own Account, and Wood Processing Industry. Cooperation and vertical integration among the actors are important to reach the large transport volumes required for intermodal transport. Key issues to increase the intermodal potential are: increased vertical integration and cooperation, sharing of transport resources and infrastructure, joint purchases, outsourcing to expert actors, building trust and open communication, and not underestimating the complexity of intermodal transport. The results have implications for any actor interested in developing intermodal transport or policy measures. The contribution includes the new approach of developing business models by using the five-layer network-market model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To simultaneously solve the dilemma of energy demand, waste management, and greenhouse gas emission for communities globally, the waste-to-energy (WTE) supply chain as district energy system should be a viable method towards circular industrial economy. Several essential state-of-the-art WTE technologies including combustion, gasification and anaerobic digestion were evaluated. Portfolio options of technologies for different types of WTE supply chains were illustrated for achieving circular economy system. Since policy makers have to address the public concerns prior to promulgate and implement relating regulations, the strategies on implementation of WTE supply chain were proposed to overcome the challenging barriers from the aspects of technology, finance, institution and regulation. A total of eight key task-forces were also proposed for effectively executing the strategies. Furthermore, several successful lessons on WTE supply chains such as green fuel pellet for heating supply and co-digestion of organic wastes for bio-gas production around the world were reviewed and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]