Business Model Innovation Research Articles

Unlocking the future: integrating data- driven business models for business sustainability

This paper examines the expanded function of business models in promoting organisational sustainability, emphasising their significant influence on strategic management and enduring environmental and economic viability. This study employs a comprehensive literature analysis to analyse data-driven business models and their congruence with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising the significance of technology, innovation, and sustainability in contemporary business practices. The results demonstrate that sustainable business models promote economic growth, responsible consumption, and industry innovation while also making substantial contributions to environmental stewardship. The study specifically examines the Sustainable Development Goals of Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9), Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17). The study indicates that incorporating sustainability into business model innovation is essential for strategic success in the contemporary corporate environment. Sustainable business models are essential for organisations seeking to excel in environmental and social governance while ensuring economic success. This strategic integration revolutionises conventional business methods, guaranteeing that organisations not only endure but flourish by adjusting to global challenges and shifts in the economic environment.

Leveraging social media for entrepreneurial success: a systematic review of the literature

Social media has become a vital tool for entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their reach, enhance brand visibility, and engage directly with customers. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn provide entrepreneurs with cost-effective ways to access global markets, promote their products, and foster meaningful relationships with consumers. While social media has facilitated the growth of entrepreneurship by lowering barriers to entry, challenges such as managing online presence, handling negative feedback, and addressing privacy concerns persist. This study aims to systematically review existing literature to explore how entrepreneurs can strategically leverage social media for growth, examining its economic benefits, challenges, and best practices. Findings from the review reveal that social media offers entrepreneurs substantial advantages, including increased brand awareness, enhanced customer engagement, and improved sales performance through direct sales features and promotional campaigns. Additionally, social media enables networking, resource acquisition, and business model innovation. However, challenges related to platform management, algorithm changes, and privacy risks must be navigated. Based on these findings, the study recommends that entrepreneurs develop a clear social media strategy, actively engage with customers, stay updated with trends, and leverage data analytics to optimise their marketing efforts. Building brand communities and fostering customer loyalty through personalised communication and consistent interaction can further support business growth.

Clarifying the business model construct: a theory-driven integrative literature review through ecosystems and open systems perspectives

Abstract A broader, dynamic ecosystem perspective is crucial for researchers and managers to better understand and innovate business models in an increasingly complex environment. However, the persistent lack of “construct clarity” in business models significantly hampers both their theoretical and empirical development. This study employs theory-driven integrative literature review to clarify the business model construct through the combined lens of ecosystems and open systems, grounded in Bertalanffy’s general systems theory (GST), rooted in biology. By critically analyzing 255 representative sources, the study synthesizes a systemic definition of business models as open systems representing a set of interrelated value-based activities at the ecosystems level, to meet evolving needs of stakeholders, thereby enhancing construct clarity across four key factors: definition, scope, relationships with related concepts, and theoretical coherence. Additionally, the study introduces the ecosystem-based business model framework, illustrating how a business model's interconnected structure and dynamic nature align with GST’s open systems logic. This leads to a detailed discussion of research themes for further theoretical and empirical development. This work addresses the longstanding bottleneck of construct clarity in theorizing business models, contributes to the theory-driven review methodology, and expands the boundaries of business model research and practice in strategic management and organization through GST.

A Typology of Circular Economy Startups in Agri‐Food Supply Chains: An Analysis of 79 Innovative Startups

ABSTRACTStartups, as key drivers of innovation towards a circular economy (CE) transition, are gaining momentum in the agri‐food industry. However, an inclusive classification framework for circular agri‐food startups is still lacking, despite its crucial role in articulating their contribution and informing tailored policies to facilitate a smoother CE shift in the agri‐food sector. This research aims to shed light on circular agri‐food startups by developing a comprehensive typology that identifies their key characteristics and contributions to the CE. In this regard, a two‐tiered method, combining content analysis and hierarchical clustering, was employed to examine 79 circular agri‐food startups based on their supply chain position, adopted CE strategy, business model innovation orientation, technological approach, and customer segment. As a result, an inclusive typology was developed, categorizing startups into three distinct groups, namely, biotech‐driven sustainable producers, digital CE enablers, and circular packaging pioneers. Biotech‐driven sustainable producers primarily operate in the upstream food supply chain, adopting repurposing or upcycling strategies with a technology‐oriented business model. Digital CE enablers leverage digital solutions across various stages of the supply chain to implement reduction strategies through a platform‐oriented business model. Circular packaging pioneers, operating with a product‐ or service‐oriented business model, focus on sustainable packaging solutions through reuse strategies. The insights provided support agri‐food stakeholders and policy‐makers in crafting strategic policies that put the potential of circular startups into effect, thereby fostering a more resilient, sustainable, and circular agri‐food supply chain. Finally, future research directions are proposed to support startups on the road towards a circular agri‐food system.

Innovative Business Models in Cultural Tourism: The Case of Cumalıkızık

Cultural tourism has acquired greater importance not only as a fundamental tool for the promotion and preservation of local cultures but also as a sector that favours economic development. Currently, cultural tourism, in its new forms with innovative business models, aims at the protection of cultural heritage in a sustainable way while bringing more economic benefits to the local communities. In this sense, such culturally rich settlements like the village of Cumalıkızık in Bursa are very good examples for the implementation of such innovative business models. This village earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the preservation of samples of civil architectural works from the Ottoman era. These features allow this village to become an object for cultural tourism and open certain perspectives for the development of new business models. In addition, the innovative cultural tourism business models contrast with their approach: enriching experiences for visitors and supporting economic and sustainable tourism for local communities. This study analyses visitor experiences in Bursa's historic village of Cumalıkızık in detail. The analysis was conducted by examining visitor reviews shared on the Tripadvisor platform for the village and on Google for its restaurants. Based on the data obtained, innovative models were developed, and strategies and recommendations were proposed for advancing the cultural tourism of the village and differentiating its restaurants.

The Influence of Lock-In Centered Business Model Innovation on the Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Purpose: Business model innovation is a fundamental catalyst for organizations to transform their value creation infrastructure in order to achieve superior long-term performance and pay off associated complex commercial risks. This study was designed to investigate the influence of lock-in centered business model innovation on the performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted the descriptive research design and positivism philosophy that was aligned to the classical scientific method of research inquiry. Multi-stage sampling method was adopted to collect data from top management team in the manufacturing sector using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive analysis techniques such as mean, percentages and standard deviation. Inferential analysis using linear regression was undertaken to establish the relationship between the predictor variable and the outcome variable using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Findings: The study revealed that lock-in centered business model innovation (β=-0.47, p=0.001<0.05) negatively and significantly influences manufacturing firms’ performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that manufacturers should endeavour to innovate their business models in order to achieve superior long-term performance. The study contributes to manufacturing sector literature by providing empirical evidence on how managers can embed business model innovation practices to improve Kenyan manufacturing firms’ performance in the highly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment.

The Role of Business Models in Smart-City Waste Management: A Framework for Sustainable Decision-Making

This study addresses the multifaceted challenges inherent in implementing effective smart-city waste-management systems. Recent global trends indicate increased adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics—to optimize waste collection and processing. The central research question investigates the role of innovative business models and sustainable decision-making frameworks in advancing smart waste management within urban environments. This research integrates three interrelated domains: business-model innovation, smart-city paradigms, and sustainability in waste management. Its novelty lies in synthesizing these domains, conducting a comparative analysis of best practices from leading European smart cities, and proposing a conceptual framework to guide sustainable decision-making. Methodologically, the study employs a systematic literature review, case-study analyses, and the synthesis of theoretical and empirical data. Key findings demonstrate that innovative business models—such as product-as-a-service, circular-economy approaches, and waste-as-a-service—substantially enhance the sustainability and operational efficiency of urban waste systems. However, many cities lack comprehensive strategies for integrating these models, highlighting the necessity for deliberate planning and active stakeholder engagement. Based on these insights, the study offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and urban managers to embed sustainable business models into smart-city waste infrastructures. These contributions aim to promote the development of resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible waste-management systems in smart cities.

Transformasi Digital dan Inovasi Model Bisnis: Strategi Meningkatkan Kinerja Operasional Berkelanjutan Berbasis Kapabilitas Dinamis

Digital transformation has become a core strategy to drive innovation and enhance operational performance in the era of technological disruption. This article aims to analyze the role of business digitalization in simultaneously promoting operational efficiency and business model innovation. Using a systematic literature review of more than 30 academic articles and cross-industry case studies, this study integrates the perspectives of dynamic capabilities, the balanced scorecard, and organizational ambidexterity as analytical frameworks. The findings indicate that the success of digitalization is largely determined by an organization's ability to integrate digital strategy into core business processes, develop sensing, seizing, and transforming capabilities, and balance exploration with exploitation. The study also reveals that implementing technologies such as Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things significantly improves production time efficiency, reduces costs, and enables the creation of new value propositions that better align with customer needs. However, the effectiveness of digital transformation also depends on transformational leadership, organizational culture readiness, and inclusive strategy orchestration. This article recommends an integrative approach to digital transformation, emphasizing sustainable operational excellence through data-driven innovation and adaptive business models.

Assessment of the circular economy indicators in the EU Member States

The major purpose of this research is to empirically assess the level of the circular economy in the EU Member States. The empirical research revealed that the major criteria for assessing the level of the circular economy in the EU, according to the experts, are material footprint, patents related to waste management and recycling, and material import dependency, while intra EU trade and private investment in the circular economy sector are considered least important. All the methods indicated Germany as the EU leader in the area of circular economy, Italy and the Netherlands also being high rated. The lowest ranks were estimated for Bulgaria, Romania, Finland and Estonia, which could improve their situation by adopting the best practices of the leading countries (e.g. use innovative business models at the stage of product development, strengthen cooperation between business companies, governmental agencies, NGOs and academic communities). Research limitations: subjective nature of the expert evaluation, which could lead to different indicator weights if similar research is conducted in other countries; insufficiency of the statistical data.

Aligning Values for Impact: A Value Mapping Tool Applied to Social Innovation for Sustainable Business Modelling

As sustainability becomes increasingly central to organizational strategy, social economy organizations (SEOs) are rethinking their business models. This study employs stakeholder analysis using the value mapping (VM) tool developed by Short, Rana, Bocken, and Evans for the development of the VOLTO JÁ project. The objective of the VOLTO JÁ project is to operationalize a senior exchange programme between SEOs. The VM approach extends beyond conventional customer value propositions to prioritize sustainability for all stakeholders and identify key drivers of sustainable business model (SBM) innovation. The multi-stakeholder methodology comprises the following elements: (1) sequential focus groups aimed at enhancing sustainable business thinking; (2) semi-structured interviews; and (3) workshop to facilitate qualitative analysis and co-create the VM. The findings are then categorized into four value dimensions: (1) value captured—improved participant well-being, enhanced reputational capital, mitigation of social asymmetries, and affordable service experiences; (2) value lost—underused community assets; (3) value destroyed—institutional and systemic barriers to innovation; and (4) new value opportunities—knowledge sharing, service diversification, and open innovation to foster collaborative networks. The study demonstrates that the application of VM in SEOs supports SBM development by generating strategic insights, enhancing resource efficiency, and fostering the delivery of socially impactful services.

Evaluating cost and design implications of a two-stage autonomous urban delivery system

ABSTRACT Driven by trends as urbanisation and innovative business models in online retailing, e-commerce is experiencing rapid growth. Paired with new customer expectations and increasing labour shortage as well as inefficient last-mile delivery, urban logistic concepts are in need for innovative solutions. Autonomous vehicles delivering shipments in a so-called Van-and-Robot (VnR) concept appear like a promising approach to tackle these hurdles, since limitations of delivery robots regarding speed and range can be compensated, while maintaining flexibility and the ability to bundle shipments. But since this concept was never implemented and requires the integration of two autonomous vehicles, it shows high implementation cost and uncertainties with regard to technical requirements. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the impact of the use of a VnR delivery concept on urban last mile delivery costs. Furthermore, the system-determining parameters with regard to these costs should be defined in order to design an efficient VnR concept usage. These implications should also serve as a guideline for practitioners to support an implementation.

Business Model Innovation in the Trading Card Grading Industry: Cross-National Insights from Pokémon Trading Card Game and Non-fungible Tokens

This study examines how firms in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCG) grading industry adapt their business models in response to digital disruption. We employ a qualitative multiple-case design, investigating three leading grading companies – PSA (United States), CCIC (China), and SQC (Thailand) – through 30 in-depth interviews and supplemental document analysis. The findings reveal divergent strategies shaped by both dynamic capabilities and institutional contexts. PSA leverages scale and AI technology to enhance efficiency, CCIC focuses on legitimacy and incremental improvements under regulatory constraints, and SQC pursues exploratory digital initiatives (e.g., NFT-linked trials) to co- create value with its community. These patterns highlight the ambidexterity required for business model innovation in a digitizing niche service sector. The study contributes to business model innovation and digital transformation literature by demonstrating how national institutions and customer engagement influence innovation paths. Practical implications include lessons for balancing core business sustainability with transformative innovation in different regulatory environments.

The rise of unmanned gyms: innovation, spatiotemporal characteristics, and the future of urban fitness

With the acceleration of urbanization and the growing awareness of health, traditional gyms face challenges related to space, time, and operational costs, particularly in meeting the fragmented fitness needs of urban residents. Unmanned gyms, integrating advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), provide flexible, personalized fitness solutions available 24/7, addressing the increasing fitness demands of modern urban populations. Moreover, through innovative business models such as dynamic pricing, data monetization, and value-added services, unmanned gyms optimize their revenue structures and enhance user experiences. However, despite their significant growth potential, unmanned gyms still face challenges in terms of technology, ethics, and regulation. This paper reviews the current development of unmanned gyms, their spatiotemporal characteristics, and future trends. Future research should focus on the sustainability of technologies, user engagement, and the improvement of regulatory frameworks to foster the healthy growth of the unmanned gym industry.

Assessing disruptive potential in the IT sector: a framework for evaluating company-to-company impact

In the rapidly evolving IT industry, assessing a company’s potential to disrupt or be disrupted is vital for maintaining a competitive edge. This research introduces a novel framework designed to evaluate the disruptive potential among IT companies. Unlike traditional models that focus solely on predicting disruptive technologies, this framework employs a multi-dimensional approach, considering business model innovation, customer engagement, network effects, technological advancement, and strategic market positioning. The framework was developed through a comprehensive review of existing models and refined with insights from IT professionals. Its effectiveness was validated using three case studies: Apple’s disruption of Nokia, the competitive dynamics between Mondoo and Lacework, and Mondoo’s challenge to WIZ in the cybersecurity area. These case studies demonstrated the framework’s robustness in both historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, the framework was further refined and validated through participant observation by the main author during his tenure as a cybersecurity engineer and consultant at Mondoo, a cybersecurity startup in Silicon Valley. This real-time, immersive engagement allowed the author to systematically observe the dynamics of disruptive innovation within the company, including its agile responses to technological changes, market penetration challenges, and customer-centric strategies. The use of qualitative data analysis tools, such as MAXQDA and ChatGPT, enabled the integration of these observations into the framework, enhancing its practical relevance and accuracy in assessing disruptive potential (80%).

‘Digitalisation + leadership’ = ? High innovation output? A mediating model based on environment

ABSTRACT Digital leadership (DL), as a crucial element of dynamic capabilities, exerts a significant influence on innovation performance (OIP). This study conducts an empirical analysis of survey data collected from 332 organisations in China to investigate the mechanisms by which digital leadership impacts innovation performance. The findings reveal that business model innovation (BMI) serves as a mediating factor between digital leadership and innovation performance, thereby providing theoretical support for the dynamic capabilities view (DCV). Furthermore, the study incorporates environmental dynamism (EnD) as a situational variable within the model, elucidating the boundaries of digital leadership's effectiveness. The results indicate that, irrespective of whether environmental dynamism is classified as high or low, it adversely affects the indirect relationship between digital leadership and innovation performance through business model innovation. This research offers practical implications for organisations seeking to enhance their innovation performance, underscoring the significance of digital leadership and business model innovation in the rapidly evolving digital economy. Additionally, it highlights the potential limitations that may emerge in highly dynamic environments concerning the facilitation of innovation performance through business model innovation in management practices.

Business model innovation, dynamic capabilities, and enterprise development

Business model innovation, dynamic capabilities, and enterprise development

TRANSFORMACIÓN DIGITAL Y RENDIMIENTO DE LAS EMPRESAS MANUFACTURERAS ESPAÑOLAS: EL PAPEL DE LA INTENSIDAD TECNOLÓGICA DEL SECTOR Y LA GESTIÓN DEL CONOCIMIENTO

This study analyzes digital transformation (DT) in the Spanish manufacturing sector, highlighting its crucial role in business competitiveness within a dynamic and complex environment. Using an econometric model based on panel data (9,215 observations between 2011 and 2017), it examines the impact of three key factors—business model innovation, digital technology integration, and the development of new competencies—on business performance, considering the sector’s technological intensity as a moderating variable. The results reveal that organizations in medium- and low-technology sectors can significantly benefit from investments aimed at innovating their business models, integrating digital technologies, and fostering the development of new competencies, achieving better outcomes compared to firms in high-technology sectors. These findings suggest that, despite their limited R&D investment, medium- and low-technology firms possess resources and capabilities that compensate for their reduced innovation activities. Keywords: Digital transformation; performance of Spanish manufacturing firms; business model innovation; integration of digital technologies; digital talent management; sectoral technological intensity; knowledge management.

Sustainable Entrepreneurial Dynamics in Manufacturing: Innovative Business Models and Social Value Creation in Chinese Enterprises

Sustainable Entrepreneurial Dynamics in Manufacturing: Innovative Business Models and Social Value Creation in Chinese Enterprises

Navigating the AI Revolution: How Generative AI is Reshaping Work, Skills, and Organizational Strategy

This research brief examines how generative artificial intelligence, large language models, and machine learning are fundamentally reshaping work across industries. The analysis explores AI's shift from task automation to cognitive augmentation, highlighting its implications for workforce skills, organizational strategy, and competitive advantage. Drawing on current research and industry examples from healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services, the brief identifies emerging work paradigms and offers practical implementation guidance for organizations navigating this transformation. Key themes include the importance of human-AI integration, strategic capability building, and ethical governance frameworks. The author argues that successful organizations will be those that leverage AI not merely for efficiency but as a catalyst for business model innovation while creating work environments that amplify distinctly human capabilities—ultimately suggesting that the AI revolution represents both unprecedented opportunity and significant challenge for today's leaders.

Examining the Determinants of Purchase Intention: A Survey Study on Jago Coffee Consumers in Jakarta

The rapid evolution of Indonesia’s coffee industry has fostered innovative business models such as Café on Wheels, exemplified by Jago Coffee’s mobile operations using electric vehicles (EVs). Despite its novelty, this model faces challenges in maintaining consumer interest and market competitiveness. This study analyzes the impact of Content Marketing, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), and Perceived Quality on Brand Awareness and Purchase Intention, with Brand Awareness as a mediating variable. Employing a quantitative survey method, data were collected from 399 active social media users (Instagram and TikTok) and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings indicate that both Content Marketing and eWOM significantly enhance Brand Awareness and directly influence Purchase Intention. Perceived Quality positively affects Brand Awareness but exhibits no significant direct impact on Purchase Intention. However, Perceived Quality indirectly contributes to Purchase Intentions through Brand Awareness. These results underscore social media engagement’s pivotal role in shaping consumer behavior within mobile coffee ventures. The study recommends that businesses like Jago Coffee prioritize Brand Awareness strategies via engaging digital content and user-driven eWOM to sustain growth and strengthen consumer loyalty. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts and additional mediating factors.