scholarly journals Backcasting for desirable futures in Finnish forest-based firms

foresight ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annukka Näyhä
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Strong Basis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
New Business ◽  
Participative Approach ◽  
Sustainable Business Models ◽  
New Business Models

Purpose In Finland, new forest-based sector (FBS) businesses are seen as important for the transition to the circular bioeconomy. The purpose of this study is to explore the transition of Finnish FBS companies to new business models. The aim is to understand how FBS companies define their ideal future states and related business models for the year 2030. Design/methodology/approach This study uses thematic interviews with managers from various FBS firms and companies from interfacing sectors. In the interviews, the key idea of backcasting was pursued when respondents discussed the desirable future states of their business. Findings The effort to achieve growth of the business and the appearance of new products characterize the company-specific desirable future states. In these desirable futures, expanded businesses will be based on strong knowledge. Resource efficiency and collaboration create a strong basis for the desirable future state of the whole FBS to create a sustainable and innovative “Wood Valley.” Research limitations/implications The key limitations are that the backcasting process has been conducted only through interviews and a participative approach with stakeholder dialogue is lacking in the process. This means that the desirable futures are created by the FBS companies only. Originality/value As a practical contribution, the study shows the future-oriented thinking and goals of FBS firms. As a theoretical contribution, it extends research on sustainable business models and discussions on the novel field of corporate foresight.

scholarly journals BUSINESS MODEL TRANSFORMATION IN THE GERMAN ENERGY SECTOR: KEY BARRIERS AND DRIVERS OF A SMART AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS IN PRACTICE

2021 ◽  
Vol VIII-4/W1-2021 ◽  
pp. 73-80
Author(s):  
D. Meyer ◽  
J. Fauser ◽  
D. Hertweck
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Recommendations For Action ◽  
New Business ◽  
Sustainable Business Models ◽  
New Business Models

Abstract. The energy sector in Germany, as in many other countries, is undergoing a major transformation. To achieve the climate targets, numerous measures to implement smart energy and resource efficiency are necessary. Therefore, energy companies are experiencing increasing pressure from politics and society to transform their business areas in a sustainable manner and implement smart and sustainable business models. Consequently, numerous resources are expected to flow into the development and implementation of new business models. But often these efforts remain unsuccessful in practice. There is a large amount of literature on barriers and drivers of smart and sustainable business models in the energy sector. But what are the factors that companies struggle with most when developing and implementing new business models in practice? To answer this question, the results of a systematic literature review were evaluated by conducting semi-structured interviews with experts of the German energy sector. Six categories of transformation barriers were identified: Organizational, Financial, Legal, Partner-Network, Societal and Technological barriers. To overcome these barriers, recommendations for action and key success factors are outlined by the experts interviewed. The interview study validates key barriers and drivers in terms of their significance in practice in the German energy sector and makes recommendations to advance the smart and sustainable transformation of the energy sector.

Sustainable business models: a literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 2028-2047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidiane Cássia Comin ◽  
Camila Camargo Aguiar ◽  
Simone Sehnem ◽  
M.-Y. Yusliza ◽  
Carla Fabiana Cazella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Value ◽  
New Business ◽  
Sustainable Business Models ◽  
Operational Practices ◽  
High Level ◽  
Positive Results

Purpose The demand for resources for development also increased corporate pressures for sustainability. Consequently, it is necessary for organizations to adopt measures addressing the need to implement a new business model, which allows a management team concerned about the economy and the optimization of resources to make sustainable business models a strategic interest of the organization. The purpose of this paper is to analyze sustainable business models and the applied practices to operationalize them. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted through a systematic review of the literature to identify the sustainable business models addressed in the literature, and what practices are applied to operationalize these models. Findings The data show that sustainable business models have an approach centered on the direct participation of stakeholders, especially the user, in the process of creating sustainable value. Overall, they offer a high level of technology-based business models that prioritize the use of clean energy, material maximization and energy efficiency, with an emphasis on repair and maintenance rather than on disposal and scheduled obsolescence, as well as an emphasis on natural and renewable processes, the reuse of waste, environmental stewardship, product transformation into technological artefacts for users, and products for services and results. Research limitations/implications The study’s contributions provide a more detailed understanding of sustainable business models and what practices can be adopted by companies to make the business truly sustainable. This paper contributed to the discussion of the research on sustainable business models and their operational practices. Originality/value The analysis promotes insights into new opportunities for companies to integrate their traditional business models with sustainability, contributing to the application of sustainable practices within the managerial scope. Companies that operate sustainable business models need to be aware that collaborative, sharing and networking models can deliver positive results for sustainable business models.

Intertwining CSR with strategy – the way ahead

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shital Jhunjhunwala
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Business Models ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance and means of making corporate social responsibility (CSR) an integral part of corporate strategy with the help of case studies. Design/methodology/approach – The article explores the transformation of business from being egocentric to socially responsible. With the use of examples it demonstrates how integrating CSR into strategy can create sustainable business models. Findings – Firms need to develop a framework for integrating CSR into their business strategy for long term successful survival. Social implications – Corporates and society are intertwined and mutually dependent. Business cannot survive without society's acquiescence nor succeed without its active support. Originality/value – The article explains the benefits of CSR and how to make it an integral part of business strategy to gain a competitive advantage.

Proposal for sustainability action archetypes for higher education institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Elíseo Fernandes Sanches ◽  
Matheus Leite Campos ◽  
Luiz Eduardo Gaio ◽  
Marcio Marcelo Belli
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Business Models ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) should assume their role as leaders in the search for a sustainable future. Consequently, such institutions need to incorporate sustainability into their activities. However, this needs to be done holistically and not with isolated and independent actions. Therefore, this study aims to develop a structure of sustainability action archetypes to help HEIs holistically incorporate sustainability in their strategies. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the literature was conducted focusing on the subject of sustainability in HEIs. Findings A structure of sustainability action archetypes for HEIs was proposed. Further, based on scientific literature, examples of actions were presented within each archetype. Practical implications This study provides HEI administrators and other organizations with a practical structure to enable the systemic incorporation of sustainability objectives and actions into institutional activities. Originality/value This study adapts the tool “sustainable business model archetypes” for a new purpose. This tool was initially developed to classify innovations of sustainable business models.

New Business Models Sustainability

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Albérico Travassos Rosário
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Business Model Innovation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Collection Method ◽  
New Business ◽  
Environmental Concepts ◽  
Political Economic ◽  
New Business Models

Increased global concerns about climate change and environmental degradation have attracted attention to sustainable development strategies. Sustainability involves maintaining ecological balance, requiring organizations to integrate social, political, economic, and environmental concepts in their business models. This research chapter aims to explore the new business models associated with increased awareness of sustainability. Literature review methodology was used as the primary data collection method. Four main new business models were identified, including sustainable business model innovation (SBMI), triadic business model (T-Model), circular business model, and Web 2.0-based business model. Despite the differences in definition and implementation of these modern frameworks, innovation and sustainability remain the central concepts of enhancing value creation and capturing. While these business models aim to enhance organizations' capabilities to optimize new opportunities and overcome challenges, they also aim to improve society and protect the environment.

scholarly journals Digital transformation: harnessing digital technologies for the next generation of services

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Zaki
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Customer Experience ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Business ◽  
Market Opportunities ◽  
New Business Models

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss digital transformation and its four trajectories – digital technology, digital strategy, customer experience and data-driven business models – that could shape the next generation of services. This includes a discussion on whether both the market and organizations are all ready for the digital change and what are the opportunities that will enable firms to create and capture value though new business models. Design/methodology/approach Providing services is a proven and effective way to secure a competitive position, deliver long-term stable revenues and open up new market opportunities. However, it is also clear that some organisations are struggling to digitally transform. Therefore, the commentary provides a brief insight into how firms explore the possibilities of digital transformation and navigate these uncharted waters. Findings Today’s digital technologies affect the organisation outside and in, enabling the creation of new business models and transforming the customer experience. The incumbents are acutely aware that they need to transform strategically – to build new networks and value chains. Originality/value This commentary extends earlier work exploring the digital disruption within services to highlight a number of connected areas: the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation at a strategic level, as well as understanding and enhancing the customer experience and seeing how new data-driven business models can underpin service transformation.

scholarly journals Clarifying the disruptive innovation puzzle: a critical review

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sucet Jimena Martínez-Vergara ◽  
Jaume Valls-Pasola
Keyword(s):  
Critical Review ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disruptive Innovation Theory ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
New Business ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
New Business Models

PurposeDisruptive innovation theory has attracted the interest of researchers and practitioners across many areas, resulting in the development of new business models and strategies. Despite the increasing scholarly attention, its definition has not yet been understood, the understanding of the term “disruptive” and the complex nature of this innovation has provoked some misinterpretations, and the meaning remains ambiguous. To address this confusion, this article undertakes a critical review of disruptive innovation in an attempt at providing a solid theoretical grounding.Design/methodology/approachThe review examines the key issues of published articles, identified after conducting a search in the Web of Science scholarly database. The analysis highlights the basic definitions of disruptive innovation, showing its evolution, types and its characteristics. This article also examines the behaviours adopted by the actors associated with disruptive innovation (i.e. incumbents, entrants and customers).FindingsOverall, this article finds that disruptive innovation has its own elements to be identified, requiring an in-depth analysis to avoid confusing with other innovation approaches. The findings suggest that disruptive innovation affects businesses and sectors in varied and complex ways because customers from low-end market and mainstream market appreciate this innovation. Further, its impact on practice is huge and incites further efforts in establishing a stronger theoretical grounding.Originality/valueOur research contributes on the evolution of this theory, helping to better understand the phenomenon of disruption and can be used for different types of research settings.

New business models in supply chains: a bibliometric study

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (12) ◽  
pp. 1283-1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Régis Delafenestre
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Business Models ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Business ◽  
Paper Form ◽  
Scientific Results ◽  
Database Clustering ◽  
New Research ◽  
New Business Models

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find and classify the most relevant works in the literature on the latest technologies applied in global supply chains. To help future researchers find the most relevant the authors according to the authors’ research interest quickly and to provide insights into the most promising areas. Design/methodology/approach The authors provide a bibliometric analysis of 292 documents referenced in the Scopus® database clustering by relatedness of works and keywords. Findings The authors present insights and deduce new perspectives in the potential search for new business models. The authors show that in specific fields, some works and authors have a much greater influence than others. Research limitations/implications Some documents published on the web or in paper form may be missing. The analyses largely depend on the choice of keywords. Another selection might have shown different results. Practical implications This paper provides the basis for new research in applications of the latest technologies in supply chains and corresponding new business models. Originality/value This work is a first effort to help researchers make sense of the mass of published scientific results on new technologies and their impact on new supply chain business models.

Convergence and digital fusion lead to competitive differentiation

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 707-720
Author(s):  
Ashish Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Digital Convergence ◽  
Global Banking ◽  
New Business ◽  
New Business Models

Purpose Organizations are consistently seeking innovative strategies and novel pathways to enhance business processes and create differentiation. The global business ecosystem is changing and there is growing demand for multi-modal digital technologies, big data consolidation and data analytics to harness a cost-competitive agile system. Technological convergence and integration of digital systems is one of the preferred methodologies that facilitates new and effective workflows and revives business processes. The progressive interlinking of digital technologies with business operations leads to the convergence and blending of management disciplines, devices and applications. The growing inconsistencies in managerial understanding regarding the benefits of convergence prompts a comprehensive examination of digital convergence pathways, identifying the impacts on converging entities and business objectives. The State bank of India (SBI) mega-merger case study was selected to investigate the pragmatic framework of digital convergence and to understand the impacts on interlinked entities such as: business operations, strategic management, project team that support value creation and competitive differentiation. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the phenomena of techno-fusion of emerging technologies creating new opportunities, business models and unique strategies for global banking and financial service organizations. Design/methodology/approach This study applies the qualitative, inductive research method using critical reflection of before and after the implementation of convergence and digital integration strategies. The SBI case study employs this research strategy based on the premise that banks must stay agile and highly responsive to the changing environment to enhance its value proposition and competitive differentiation objectives. The study methodology incorporates cooperative inquiry and multiple levels of analysis using data collection techniques of exhaustive review of archives, informal interviews, questionnaires and observations to identify the synergistic process improvement pathway. The study is grounded on the concept that the convergence of diverse business pathways involves innovative and interlinked project, strategic and information technology (IT) workflows that results in open innovative systems. Findings The studies identify that organizational innovation and creative solutions are a result of ecosystem turbulence, environmental force diversity, competitive pressure and the need for differentiation. Organizations that harness the power of digital fusion and convergence of management, systems and data generate a competitive advantage. The technological convergence strategy pulls multiple business and technology processes (project, strategic, IT, Cloud, AI and business process management) at the organizational, divisional or functional level generating new opportunities and threats, new business models and unique growth strategies for global banking and financial services organizations. Organizations that fully integrate techno-fusion of business and digital strategies produce synergistic effects and enhance adaptability, innovation and resiliency in the face of competitive challenges. Research limitations/implications Additional areas that can be explored further as an extension of this study are listed below: identifying factors to improve the speed of convergence; the current results are limited to large size organizations where formal management and technology functions are distinctive. Similar studies on smaller organizations are warranted. Originality/value This study focuses on the evolving field of technology innovation, which is increasingly being intertwined with business operations. Innovative digital technology is enabling the convergence of the disciplines of management, digital devices and applications. This facilitates the creation of a pragmatic framework that supports convergence of business operations, strategic management and digital fusion which leads to value creation and competitive differentiation. The techno-fusion of emerging technologies and digital strategies generates new opportunities and threats, new business models and unique growth strategies for organizations.

scholarly journals Surviving the Energy Transition: Development of a Proposal for Evaluating Sustainable Business Models for Incumbents in Germany’s Electricity Market

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Wagner ◽  
Thomas Adisorn ◽  
Lena Tholen ◽  
Dagmar Kiyar
Keyword(s):  
Electricity Market ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
The Past ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
New Business ◽  
Sustainable Business Models ◽  
Energy Companies

In the light of Germany’s chosen path towards the energy transition, the regulatory framework has changed considerably. New players have succeeded in entering the market, and renewable energies have become increasingly competitive. Greater electrification of the transport and heating sectors will be needed in the future to achieve national climate targets. Against this background, Germany’s big energy companies need to be sure that their sales will increase. However, they were unable to anticipate this development, and made strategic mistakes in the past. The development of sustainable business models in line with the energy transition failed to materialize. Now it is becoming increasingly clear that companies must create new business models to survive in the long term. These business models have to keep with the tradition, whilst meeting the needs of low-carbon power supplies. In this paper, we will examine the past and future challenges of the four energy companies and develop a proposal for evaluating sustainable business models. For this purpose, we use the multi-level perspective to categorize developments in the electricity market over the last 50 years, and then apply a multi-criteria analysis to derive five suitable business models from the results.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document