Paradox of Value Loops in Dynamic Markets: From Value Post‐(Un)capture to Sustainable Recapture

Traditional economic-oriented business models often have problems when faced with increasingly serious sustainability challenges. The advent of Industry 4.0 makes it necessary to transform sustainability challenges into competitive advantages for enterprises. Using a case study of a Chinese enterprise named GEM, this paper attempts to explore how sustainability challenges can be transformed to create competitive advantages. The research provides three conclusions: First, enterprises can transform sustainability challenges into competitive advantages by developing a sustainable business model, with environmental, social, and economic values; Second, a value proposition is the soul of the sustainable business model. Enterprises need not only focus on "how to do" but they must pay even more attention to "what to do", so it is advisable to integrate a value proposition into the enterprise strategy and business process; Finally, a sustainable value proposition consists of sustainable economic, environmental, and social values, and their individual importance varies in sustainable business models for different industries where the demand for environmental and social value is increasingly important.

Assessing the impact of the digital economy on sustainable development in the underdeveloped regions of western China

Socio-environmental enterprises are characterized by their purposes in creating social and / or environmental value in order to influence social and economic changes. Most studies on this topic highlight the results of creating social and economic value, but the same emphasis on environmental value is not observed. This finding stimulated interest in verifying whether social ventures dedicated to tourism, due to the sector's own characteristics, added to the creation of these types of values. Tourism was the focus of this research because the number of socio-environmental enterprises operating in this sector is growing due to the recognition of the potential for economic, environmental and social development of tourism. The objective of the proposed study was to investigate the creation of socio-environmental value of socio-environmental tourism enterprises, understanding which of its characteristics and practices can influence this creation of value. To answer this objective, the research strategy used was the study of multiple cases, with the socio-environmental enterprise in tourism being the empirical unit of analysis. Secondary documents and data were gathered both on the developments and on the field in question, which, in turn, led to the need for field trips. In this way, four trips were made participating in one of the itineraries of each selected socioenvironmental enterprise in order to collect primary data through participant observation, which generated field notes and image records. In addition, a total of 22 interviews were conducted with the founders of the cases, with the community that received the tourist groups and with partners considered relevant. The data collected offered a general perspective on the field of socioenvironmental tourism enterprises in Brazil, allowing us to say that these types of socioenvironmental enterprises are emerging recently and are beginning to structure their activities. The analysis of the influence of the characteristics and their practices in the creation of social and environmental value allowed to identify that the enterprises, as they are constituted, can potentiate the creation of social and environmental values, either by direct or indirect action. In some communities of the visited communities it was possible to perceive a lesser intensity in the creation of value, in another that there is a certain distrust and resistance in relation to tourism that comes from "outside", that is, when the groups of visitors are not brought by themselves community. In addition, the description of the ventures studied allowed to identify the challenges they faced, highlighting the difficulty of enterprises in creating and maintaining financial sustainability. Thus, it is expected that this study will contribute to the maturing of socio-environmental entrepreneurship, especially about the creation of social and environmental value, both for theoretical reflections and for the improvement of its management policies and practices.

Although corporate sustainability has gained more attention and companies have recently showed a growing interest in sustainable practices, the progress towards sustainable development has been slow leading to increasing environmental and social challenges. Business model innovations are recognized as a key to the creation of sustainable business and as a bridge between company level and system level changes. Sustainable business model innovations create, deliver and capture economic, social, and ecological value for customers and other stakeholders in various societies. The aim of this chapter is to deepen the understanding of the ways how companies create and capture sustainable value through business models in a larger operation system. From the theoretical perspective, the chapter adopts the transition theory and the concept of strong sustainabilit y for understanding socio-technical transitions and business model changes towards sustainability. Here the focus is on companies’ dualistic role pursuing sustainable development targets—both contributing to sustainability within the business dimensions, and assisting the broader systemic change through the new sustainable business models. Furthermore, the chapter deals with the external factors that either enable or hinder companies to transform their existing business models towards sustainability. By reviewing previous literature, this study develops preliminary frameworks combining the approaches of transition management, sustainable value creation and corporate sustainability levels. The work aims to decrease the existing gap between the literature of system transition and business models. The frameworks can be applied in the future in analyzing new sustainable business models, value processes , value creation and capture, and broader systemic changes towards sustainability.

Circular Economy strives for economic, social and environmental value creation in every part of the system. In Healthcare, both environmental and economic values are seen as the most important values for a manufacturer. Little is known about customer values in a circular economy and the underpinning environmental, economic and service benefits. This study shows that customer value creation and -activities must be connected within a circular business model. These relationships built on six moments when customers and manufacturers can make choices to participate in a circular economy coined as Circular Touch Points. In our approach, Circular Touch Points are developed as pivot points between customer values (proposition part of business model) and supplier offerings (fulfilment part of business model, i.e. circular activities) resulting in (multiple) value creation. Our empirical study focuses on the customer perspective, and shows that customer values are paradoxical in a Circular Economy and need to be studied per Circular Touch Point. In addition, customers have to prioritize Circular Touch Points hierarchically. Economic value is measured, environmental value is more perceptive and service value proves to be unimportant. This research can be used by medical suppliers to better understand customer values. Hospitals as customers can use this research to develop their circular strategies. Further research can elaborate on the role of the insurer and the government. Also the supplier side of the business model could be further investigated in practice. Other sectors and other target groups can also be looked at, as well as perceived versus actual values for both suppliers and buyers.

Transforming toward a circular economy (CE) is a viable strategy for achieving sustainable logistics systems. However, it is still unclear how this transformation should be approached because there is limited knowledge in this context. This study aims to explore how the logistics sector incorporates sustainability practices toward CE. To achieve this aim, we addressed the research questions of (RQ1) what sustainability practices are used by the logistics sector and (RQ2) how these practices contribute to transforming the logistics sector into CE. We used a qualitative approach to address these questions by interviewing 14 logistics service providers. Interview transcripts were analyzed by using coding, categorizing, and finding relationships among the concepts identified from the literature following the Gioia method. We identified 47 sustainable logistics practices under nine categories from three key themes: environmental preservation, firm's dynamic capabilities, and social well‐being. We used the natural resource‐based view, dynamic capabilities, and social well‐being theories to identify the key themes. These theories contributed to the existing knowledge on CE strategies from the aspects of environmental, economic, and social value in transforming the logistics sector into CE. We built three propositions based on the findings and the propositions highlight that economic value creation is the core benefit followed by environmental and social value creation in the CE transformation. The identified three themes will provide a holistic approach for implementing CE within the logistics sector.

Exploring stakeholder collaboration based on the sustainability factors affecting the sharing economy

Today’s agrifood systems face the challenge of meeting the growing demand for food for a population that is projected to grow to more than nine billion people by 2050. To achieve this, it is necessary to develop sustainable production systems with organizational and business approaches focused not only on economic factors, but also on environmental and social factors. In this article, two cases of integrated agro-aquaculture systems (SAAI) developed in Colombia were analyzed with the objective of understanding their potential in the generation of social, environmental and economic value, using as an analytical framework the archetypes of sustainable business model (AMNS) proposed by Bocken et al. (2014). As the AMNS are an alternative to face the agri-food challenges in the Colombian context, the following question was posed: What are the innovations needed to balance the sustainability factors within their value structures? The analysis was based on a qualitative study with identification of extreme or polar cases (Volmar & Eisenhardt, 2020). The cases studied showed differentiated archetypes, with specific relationships in the exchange of value: In the first scenario, identified as a business SAAI case, the technological and social AMNS predominated, which favored the generation of economic and environmental value in its model, and opportunities for innovation were found in the creation of social value, such as work, support for local communities, education and training in production and sustainability issues. On the other hand, in the case of SAAI identified as community-based, a balance was observed in the three major groups of AMNS (organizational, social and technological), so that its value generation capacity was distributed in the social and environmental value, but it was evident that the economic value was not adequately captured. This shows an opportunity for innovation in the business model to take advantage of this wasted capacity or value, for example, through the incorporation of agrotourism services, community tourism or training and education. Future studies can delve deeper into the impact that integrated production systems have on ecosystems, as well as their regenerative capacity and value destruction alerts, for example, through invasive species.

Product-service system business model archetypes and sustainability

The concept of social entrepreneurship emerged as a significant factor that contributes toward public welfare and prosperity. Recent studies showed that social entrepreneurship influences the economic growth and sustainability of the state. Therefore, the underlying aim of this study was to investigate the impact of social entrepreneurship on sustainable economic growth and value creation. This study also undertook to observe the mediating role of innovation in the relationship between social entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth and between social entrepreneurship and value creation. A questionnaire technique was adopted to obtain data from 343 tour operators in China. The Smart-PLS software was used to analyze the data through the aid of a structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. The results revealed that social entrepreneurship has an effect on sustainable economic growth and value creation. The results also demonstrated that innovation has an effect on sustainable economic growth and value creation. Moreover, it was also observed that innovation mediated the relationship between social entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth and between social entrepreneurship and value creation. Theoretically, this study made a valuable contribution by examining the impact of social entrepreneurship on sustainable economic growth and value creation and innovation as a mediator. In terms of practical implications, this study would certainly aid the policymakers to devise policies and strategies aim to encourage and promote social entrepreneurship. Moreover, future studies can introduce other mediating and moderating variables in order to gain a deeper insight into the phenomenon.

Purpose Research on the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and value creation is nascent as compared to CSR and financial performance. The concept of value is also evolving because of changing business environments, globalization and the expanded idea of CSR. Nowadays, managers expect a more quick, pragmatic approach to satisfy valid stakeholder claims while simultaneously creating competitive advantage through reputation and investor value. The paper aims to examine the impact of CSR on the market and sustainable value creation through CSR expenditure in India and the moderating role of pressure-sensitive institutional investors (PSII). Design/methodology/approach The study used panel data regression methodology on a sample of 1,845 non-financial Indian firms from 2015 to 2021. Findings CSR creates market and sustainable value for non-financial Indian firms in line with stakeholder theory. The authors find a positive moderating role of governance represented by PSII on CSR and market value creation but not on sustainable value. Research limitations/implications The study is based on secondary data. CSR, despite being a regulatory obligation, provided long-term benefits that increased their sustainable growth rate. The results highlight the importance given by financial markets to CSR activities. Other types of institutional investors can also be examined in future research. CSR can be embedded in the core operations of the firm, which can help in fostering a culture of sustainability and responsible business practices that benefit firms and society as a whole. Tax incentives can be provided to firms investing in CSR. Practical implications CSR provides long-term benefits to the firm, which enhances the goodwill and integrity of the firm in the market. The results reveal that besides capital market investors, firms are subject to the scrutiny of consumers, communities and the government as expectations rise and information spreads faster, which can have repercussions. CSR helps in meeting such expectations and the perceived value of the firms. Managers and chief executive officers (CEOs) can pay attention to the type of institutional investors like PSII, which can be formed as a part of the firm’s CSR strategy. Social implications The positive impact of CSR on sustainable value expresses a long-term management orientation based on the improvement of stakeholder relations and the associated environmental impacts referring to cohesion and consensus, market opportunities and strengthened reputation and image. A sustainable company involves a conscious and continuing effort in the equilibrium between contrasting stakeholders’ expectations in an attempt to optimize value creation. Tax exemption can be provided for CSR activities. Originality/value The authors contribute to the scant literature on CSR and value creation, especially sustainable value, as most of the prior studies are not empirical on sustainable value in the Indian context. Managers and CEOs can pay attention to the types of institutional investors like PSII, which can be formed as a part of the firm’s strategy.

Social Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in introducing social innovations to pressing problems. Social entrepreneurship requires high level of interaction with the stakeholders in order to create economic, social, and environmental values. Hence, social enterprises need to develop unique capabilities which are important to create shared value. However, the impact of social entrepreneurship capabilities on shared value creation needs more research where lack of empirical studies in the Sri Lankan context. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to investigate the effect of social entrepreneurial capabilities on value creation of social enterprises in Sri Lanka. Further, this study identified the social entrepreneurial capabilities under four dimensions as mission-driven management capabilities, stakeholder management capabilities, cross-sector management capabilities and environmental management capabilities and value creation under three dimensions as economic value creation, social value creation and environmental value creation. This study is quantitative in nature and data was collected from 100 social entrepreneurs in Western province through a structured questionnaire. Regression analysis was performed to test the hypotheses and to achieve the research objectives. The results of this study reveal that there is a significant positive effect of social entrepreneurship capabilities on shared value creation of social enterprises. Since this this is an emerging research area, study contributes to the existing literature and the outcome of this study will provide valuable insights for policy makers in Sri Lanka. Ultimately, it opens avenues for further studies as well.

This study explores the potential of Lubuk Bayas village to become a sustainable educational tourism hub through organic farming-based ecotourism. As environmental awareness grows, there is an increasing demand for destinations that offer both educational and eco-friendly experiences. This research examines how Lubuk Bayas’ organic farming practices can be leveraged to attract eco-conscious tourists, promote environmental education, and support local economic growth. By analyzing local farming practices, visitor interests, and sustainable tourism models, this study identifies strategies to integrate organic agriculture with ecotourism, fostering both ecological preservation and community development. Key focus areas include infrastructure planning, community involvement, environmental impact assessment, and the design of interactive learning experiences for visitors. The study confirms that intention reliably predicts actual behavior, emphasizing that cultivating strong visitor intentions is essential for increasing engagement and encouraging sustainable tourism practices. Environmental and educational values, while essential factors, may be less appealing to some tourists because they tend to be informative. In contrast, tourists are more interested in interactive and emotional experiences while traveling. Social values have a greater influence on tourist intentions than environmental and educational values because tourists are looking for emotional experiences, immediate social impacts, and fun and interactive activities. Factors such as limited interests, social media influence, and instant gratification make social experiences more appealing. However, incorporating environmental and educational values into social interactions can increase their appeal. Key indicators for intention include interest in visiting, participation in local activities, and willingness to recommend the village, while indicators of actual behavior encompass visit frequency, involvement in community events, and sustainable actions taken on-site. These findings highlight the importance of integrating social experiences with sustainable practices in developing Lubuk Bayas as an attractive, resilient ecotourism destination that benefits both the environment and the local community. Keywords: Ecotourism, environmental value, educational value, environmental, social value.

The creation of value is a key theme in knowledge management. Researchers have identified that in rural communities, many family businesses are members of cooperatives or other consortia. Yet, there is limited understanding about how family businesses associated with a cooperative create and appropriate value. Based on an embeddedness perspective we argue that intertwined relationships between family, business, cooperative, and rural communities could create, appropriate, as well as destroy economic and social value, which can influence sustainability. We rely on a multiple case study approach of family businesses associated with a cooperative in Cyprus. Such an approach and setting are important, as they provide an opportunity to examine multiple contextual interactions. Our findings reveal the role of knowledge construction, knowledge transfer, and symbiotic relationships at the levels of family business, rural cooperative, and local community in powering processes of economic and noneconomic value creation, appropriation, and balance, which are important for community sustainability. Implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, as well as future research opportunities, are presented.

Who in the firm can create sustainable value and for whom? A single case-study on sustainable procurement and supply chain stakeholders