Research on Sustainable Business Model Patterns: Status quo, Methodological Issues, and a Research Agenda

Abstract

This chapter describes avenues for future research to develop a “sustainable business model pattern language.” The chapter reflects on how sustainable business model (SBM) patterns can be identified, described, and turned into a design language to support the development of more sustainable organisations. Such organisations solve ecological, social, and economic problems through new approaches to proposing, delivering, capturing, and creating value. Theoretical and conceptual elements as well as methodological issues of developing an SBM pattern language are discussed. The value of using patterns in practice is illustrated with two business model innovation tools, one analogue and one digital, that use different patterns, including revenue and pricing, circular economy, and SBM patterns. Finally, questions for future research are proposed.