Business model evolution and consolidation of the U.S. airline industry: Market outcomes in the 21st century

This study explores how South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the cosmetics, food, and seafood sectors adapt to US nontariff barriers (NTBs), particularly the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). Drawing on case studies of Dot Spring, WithOn9, and Khee Trading, the analysis highlights the everyday challenges that SMEs face, including duplicative certification, heavy documentation requirements, and shipment delays, as well as the adaptive strategies they employ to sustain market access. These strategies include outsourcing compliance tasks to specialized partners, investing in digital traceability tools, and adopting phased compliance approaches for selected product lines. The findings demonstrate that SMEs are not passive victims of regulatory complexity but active problem-solvers that reconfigure business models to integrate compliance functions. At the same time, resource disparities create uneven outcomes across firms, underscoring the limits of firm-level adaptation. For practitioners, the study offers lessons on treating compliance as a core strategic function, building strong partnerships, and anticipating redundancy as part of export planning. For policymakers, it emphasizes the need for systemic reforms such as Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) and expanded digital compliance infrastructure to level the playing field. By linking firm-level practices with institutional gaps, this research provides actionable insights for exporters, regulators, and trade policymakers navigating the growing impact of NTBs on global markets.

Empirical analysis of the roles of dynamic sustainable capabilities and artificial intelligence in accelerating circular business model innovation: Insights from Chinese manufacturing firms

How can competitiveness be maintained in deep-sea environments? Typical business model innovation and competitive strategies of marine aquaculture enterprises in China

A business model taxonomy for smart demand response in the residential sector

The transition toward circularity in the electric vehicle batteries (EVBs) sector demands circular business models that address environmental, economic, and regulatory challenges. Grounded in the resource-based view (RBV) and industrial ecology (IE) perspectives, this study develops a data-driven framework to map circular business models (CBMs) across the EVBs' closed-loop supply chain (CLSC). The framework is developed by identifying CBMs from existing academic literature and analysing industry practices through press releases, resulting in a detailed map of value creation across the EVBs' lifecycle. A hybrid methodology combining topic modelling and literature synthesis was employed, using data from over 1800 industry press releases and academic databases. The findings reveal nine CBMs in literature and industry: battery leasing, charging as a service, remanufacturing, repurposing, recycling, repairing, refurbishing, EV sharing, and technology-led models, with notable applications across the EVBs’ CLSC. This study makes significant theoretical and practical contributions by integrating CBMs within an EVB CLSC framework, thus highlighting value creation, value delivery, and value capture mechanisms across phases from production to second-life applications. The findings offer strategic insights for industry practitioners and policymakers, supporting sustainable EVB lifecycles and advancing circularity objectives. This framework provides a roadmap for industry implementation and informs broader sustainable practices in resource-intensive sectors.

The financial and economic dimensions of military recycling are becoming particularly salient for countries undergoing war and post-war reconstruction. In its broadest sense, military recycling encompasses the processing, refurbishment, reuse, and safe disposal of military equipment, materials, infrastructure components, and related resources with the aim of reducing costs, minimizing environmental and technogenic risks, and generating added value within the national economy. In the context of restoring national security, military recycling is not merely an engineering or logistics activity; it is a policy instrument for strengthening fiscal resilience, upgrading the industrial base, and managing shortages of critical materials. The purpose of this study is to substantiate the financial-economic rationale for military recycling as a component of the national security and recovery architecture, and to identify the key mechanisms through which recycling can affect budgetary expenditures, investment attractiveness, and industrial competitiveness. The paper conceptualizes military recycling as a value-creation chain: from asset inventory and technical diagnostics, through decisions on repair, refurbishment, and demilitarization, to secondary production, component resale, or the reintegration of recovered materials into civilian and defense production cycles. Particular emphasis is placed on transparent accounting procedures, standardization, and control as prerequisites for trust among donors, investors, and society. Methodologically, the study combines approaches from financial economics, security studies, and public resource management. It employs life-cycle cost concepts, total cost of ownership (TCO) assessment, cost-effectiveness analysis, and risk-based management principles, including compliance and loss-prevention/anti-misuse safeguards. An analytical framework is proposed to compare alternative scenarios — “new production” versus “refurbishment/modernization,” “disposal” versus “secondary use,” and “centralized” versus “networked” processing models — while accounting for constraints related to logistics, energy supply, environmental requirements, and security risks. The synthesized findings indicate that military recycling can generate economic value at three levels. At the macro level, it reduces fiscal pressure by saving public funds on procurement and repairs, improves stockpile management, and decreases losses associated with inefficient write-offs of assets. At the meso level, recycling supports the recovery of industrial clusters (metallurgy, machinery, electronics, composites), стимулиates the localization of supply chains, and fosters service ecosystems (repair hubs, testing laboratories, certification capacities). At the micro level, it enables new business models for firms — from remanufacturing to component markets — mitigates production risks arising from material shortages, and opens opportunities for innovation-driven modernization. The conclusions emphasize that the financial-economic performance of military recycling depends critically on institutional quality: transparent asset accounting, clear demilitarization rules, robust residual-value assessment procedures, market-based mechanisms for the circulation of fit-for-use components, and effective oversight of corruption and leakage risks. Policy priorities include establishing a national military recycling program as part of reconstruction, developing infrastructure for safe processing, embedding economic feasibility criteria into repair/write-off decisions, and engaging partners through project finance, public-private arrangements, and incentives for production localization. This positions military recycling as a practical bridge between defense capability, financial security, and sustainable national recovery.

This article examines the application of organizational innovation principles to address the challenges posed by local opposition to the siting of renewable energy facilities. Modern approaches to scenario planning emphasize continuous learning rather than one-time exercises. Recent advancements in scenario methodology encourage organizations to develop dynamic capabilities that allow for ongoing revisions to stakeholder engagement strategies. These capabilities enable renewable energy developers to adapt quickly to emerging community concerns. Drawing upon studies conducted during the Colorado Technical University course, MGMT 832, Organization Innovation and Scenario Thinking, and building upon findings from the renewable energy siting process delays due to opposition, this paper proposes innovative approaches to mitigate interruptions caused by opposition. Renewable energy developers who employ dynamic business model innovation can better navigate shifting stakeholder expectations and regulatory environments. The research demonstrates that effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and innovative organizational practices can significantly reduce delays in the implementation of renewable energy projects. Unlike contingency planning, which addresses specific risks, scenario planning generates diverse narratives of potential outcomes, allowing organizations to develop flexible strategies to address community concerns. Traditional risk assessment often overlooks unexpected events that can derail renewable energy projects. The concept of 'black swan' events highlights the importance of developing robust scenario plans that can withstand unpredictable opposition. Renewable energy developers must prepare for a range of possible futures rather than optimizing for a single expected outcome. By integrating organizational innovation theory with practical approaches to community engagement, this article offers a framework for renewable energy developers, policymakers, and stakeholders to navigate the complex landscape of renewable energy siting while addressing community concerns.

LALABO (Laundry Laboratory) is a laundry business model in Jakarta, characterized by its hypoallergenic and eco-friendly services, utilizing smart locker technology for drop points, mobile application, and personalized fragrance options. This study responds to the growing demand for skin-safe laundry services, driven by limited providers and increasing public awareness of skin health in Jakarta and other major Indonesian cities. Using a descriptive case study approach, data were collected through document analysis, observation, and organizational review. The analysis focused on designing a risk management model based on the ISO 31000:2018 framework. The findings indicate that structured risk identification, assessment, and treatment are essential for managing uncertainties in marketing, operations, human resources, and finance. LALABO can minimize potential risks and achieve operational excellence. Academically, this study expands the limited literature on ISO 31000 implementation in micro and small service enterprises, while practically it provides insights for entrepreneurs developing innovation-driven businesses.

Purpose In this conceptual paper, the authors explore how business organizations can help drive positive human health and ecological sustainability outcomes by managing with a planetary health lens. This paper aims to conceptualize new managerial approaches that integrate humanity’s and thus companies’ embeddedness within wider socio-ecological systems. Design/methodology/approach The authors review interdisciplinary literatures on the health interconnections across individual, organizational, societal and planetary levels of analysis, before presenting a framework to outline how an integrated conceptualization of managing with a planetary health lens serves as a foundation for novel research and impactful management practices. Findings The proposed framework provides researchers and practitioners with a novel conceptualization and research agenda to help advance our understanding of the factors affecting human health and ecological sustainability outcomes simultaneously. Research limitations/implications This is a normative conceptual paper supported by a review of interdisciplinary literatures and examples taken from business. The authors outline a research agenda designed to address the inherent limitations of their approach. Practical implications The authors provide practitioners with opportunities to reflect on the factors shaping a planetary health lens in business. The aim is to help advance managerial practices, organizational decisions and business models that address the systemic interconnections between health and sustainability. Originality/value There is limited research on the interconnections between different types of health and especially the role of business organizations in affecting these coherently. This paper seeks to advance academic research and managerial practice by conceptualizing a planetary health lens for business as critical for progress in this area.

In an era of accelerated digital transformation and growing sustainability challenges, Moroccan agricultural cooperatives are increasingly required to reinvent their practices to strengthen their competitiveness. This research examines the impact of digital capabilities on cooperative performance, focusing on the mediating role of Cooperative Business Model Innovation. Based on a quantitative approach involving a sample of 150 agricultural cooperatives and analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, the study shows that digital capabilities significantly enhance cooperative performance, both directly and indirectly through business model innovation. By integrating technologies such as smart irrigation systems, soil sensors, process automation, and digital marketing tools, cooperatives improve not only their financial outcomes but also member satisfaction and positive societal externalities. The findings confirm that business model innovation serves as a crucial strategic lever, enabling cooperatives to transform digital capabilities into sustainable value creation. This research offers practical implications for cooperative leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the need for an integrated strategy that combines digitalization and organizational transformation to boost the performance and sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Morocco.

In Europe, banks have been slow to increase green lending while they continue to finance high-GHG-emitting activities, leading to a ‘green banking gap’. Based on 88 interviews, we argue that explanations for the green banking gap can be grouped into three broad categories: bankability, business model, and regulation. First, there are not many green firms and projects that meet banks’ desired risk/return profile, while high-GHG-emitting activities remain bankable. Second, there are constraints to decarbonise banks’ portfolios arising from the change in banks’ business model in recent decades, making (green) corporate and project lending less important. Even when they lend, the characteristics of the lending process imply a bias towards high-GHG-emitting firms, as balance sheets are locked in old loans and banks prioritise long-term relationships with their clients. Finally, there are constraints on green lending and a lack of disincentives to high-GHG-emitting lending arising from financial and sustainability regulations and overall policy uncertainty.

Purpose: This study examines when and how green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) influences business model innovation (BMI) in start-ups, focusing on boundary-spanning search (BSS) as a conversion mechanism and big data capability (BDC) as a boundary condition. Design/methodology/approach: Grounded in resource-based theory and organisational search theory, the research employs an empirical approach using survey data collected from 307 start-ups. The study examines the mediating effect of BSS and the moderating role of BDC through quantitative analysis. Findings/results: The analysis reveals three key findings: (1) GEO has a positive impact on BMI. (2) Boundary-spanning search mediates the relationship between GEO and BMI. (3) Big data capability positively moderates the link between BSS and BMI. Practical implications: For start-ups, the results imply that ‘going green’ is more likely to lead to BMI when firms design a focused external-search portfolio and build minimum viable data capabilities (e.g. data governance, cross-functional information sharing and decision-linked analytics) to reduce information overload and accelerate experimentation. Originality/value: The study advances an orientation–conversion perspective by explaining heterogeneous BMI outcomes amongst green-oriented ventures and highlighting the contingent value of BSS. The findings are particularly informative for start-ups in emerging-market contexts (including South Africa and many African economies), where resource constraints and uneven digital infrastructure can make the conversion of sustainability intent into a scalable business model change highly contingent.

Purpose This paper aims to identify the impact of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation on organisations and worker skills in the modular consortium automotive model. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach is applied based on semi-structured interviews with ten (10) managers, from seven (7) complex integrated automotive companies, responsible for the I4.0 implementation in truck assembly lines at the Brazilian Automotive Modular Consortium (BAMC). Findings Results highlighting the impact on organisations were classified under two broad areas: “Technology” and “Knowledge Management”. “Technology” related findings indicate technical and managerial demands to be developed in relation to different I4.0 technologies, influencing managers’ perspective during the technological implementation process. Findings related to “Knowledge Management”, highlight the existent organisational knowledge and its management practices as influencing the technology integration with processes and workers. In terms of worker skills, a demand for specific soft skills, pertinent to the modular consortium context (i.e. innovative creativity, communication, flexibility), is identified influencing the efficiency of technology integration and worker adaptation. Practical implications The results of this study provide recommendations for managers/practitioners implementing I4.0 in modular consortium business models, to establish better strategic plans. Originality/value I4.0 implementation and its impact on organisations and employees in different industrial contexts remain an important research gap. This paper explores this issue in conjunction with complex modular consortium business models.

In the context of the emerging era of digital intelligence, the high-quality development and transformation of the publishing industry depend not only on digital technological innovation but also on the central role of data. As a critical factor of production, data plays an indispensable role in promoting the transformation of the publishing industry toward a data-driven paradigm. Within this context, publishing forms are gradually evolving from traditional print-based publishing to data-centered data publishing. This transformation enables the publishing industry to achieve multidimensional improvements in the process of digital development. Based on the contemporary technological and social context, this paper examines the current status of the publishing industry’s transition toward data-driven development, analyzes the problems encountered in the transformation of publishing business models, and proposes policy recommendations and strategic pathways for the future development of data publishing. Based on literature analysis and an examination of industry practices, this paper analyzes the current status, identifies key obstacles including technological bottlenecks, copyright dilemmas, and international expansion challenges, and proposes development pathways such as building a new data circulation ecosystem, establishing a compliance governance system, and reshaping narrative systems to promote international markets.

Purpose This study investigates the influence of digital entrepreneurship on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) development in South East Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive survey design was used. The sample size was determined based on the Borg & Gall formula, resulting in a total of 1,377 respondents. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to 1,377 small- and medium-scale businesses cut across the States. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, were utilized to summarize survey responses. The study also used multiple regression analysis for data analysis at 5% level of significance. Findings Findings revealed that e-commerce transactions and digital business model adoption significantly and positively impact SME development, while digital skills show a modest effect. Access to digital financial services is not statistically significant, indicating persistent barriers to financial inclusion. Human capital variables, particularly education, work experience and managerial competence, also emerge as critical enablers. The findings underscore the need for integrated digital and human capital strategies to enhance SME resilience and growth. These relationships are interpreted through social network, social capital and institutional theory to explain how digital tools interact with embedded SME systems in South East Nigeria. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on digital entrepreneurship in emerging economies by disaggregating it into four key dimensions of e-commerce transactions, adoption of digital business models, extent of digital skill acquisition as well as determining the extent of access to digital financial services and empirically assessing their effects on SME development in South East Nigeria. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, SME support institutions, fintech firms and digital skills providers by identifying which digital components most effectively drive SME growth in institutionally constrained environments.

Purpose This study examines how top management characteristics and social capital shape corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment in SMEs, and how this, in turn influences firm performance through business model innovation (BMI). Focusing on post-transition economies, it explores BMI as a mechanism linking top management intent to competitive outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in Upper Echelons Theory (UET), the study develops and tests a conceptual model using survey data from 200 internationally active Polish manufacturing SMEs. Structural equation modeling is used to assess the relationships among managerial traits, CSR, external networks, BMI and firm performance. Findings Managerial experience positively predicts both social and environmental sustainability commitments, while higher education and general experience show negative effects on environmental commitment. External networks strengthen the link between experience and social commitment, but not environmental commitment. Social commitment improves performance indirectly through BMI, whereas environmental commitment has only a direct effect. BMI thus emerges as a key mechanism for translating leadership-driven social sustainability into firm-level value. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to Polish manufacturing SMEs and cross-sectional data; future research should broaden sectoral and regional scope. Originality/value This study contributes to SME and emerging market research by integrating leadership traits, social capital and BMI into a unified framework. It identifies BMI as a central mechanism within UET and reveals asymmetries in how social vs. environmental commitments translate into performance in post-transition settings.

The generic characteristics of the entrepreneurial pitch (i.e., a short persuasive oral presentation to garner funding from investors) have been the focus of considerable interest in business communication studies for some decades now. Its condensed persuasive nature makes this genre a prototype for studying effective communication skills to move an audience. This paper shares insights gathered from a pedagogical experience in which university students in Modern Languages and Translation were trained to recognize the macrostructure and rhetorical strategies of business pitches, based on empirical research by Daly and Davy (2016), and transfer those skills to their own social entrepreneurial pitches. The analysis of the 31 pitches gathered revealed a new macrostructure, coined as the Problem-Solution-Evaluation-Request Pattern (i.e., a fusion between Hoey’s 1994 pattern and Searle’s 1969 Speech Act Theory), and the deployment of rhetorical strategies not included in the business model, mainly to appeal to positive and negative emotions. The results highlight the importance of genre literacy (Pérez-Llantada, 2021), and the new pattern and strategies may be of application to real-life social entrepreneurial pitching.

Amid the rapid advancement of the digital economy, the widespread adoption of digital technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence has profoundly transformed the entrepreneurial landscape and development dynamics of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These technologies provide SMEs with new opportunities to overcome resource constraints and drive innovative business models. This paper examines the core relationship between the digital economy and SME entrepreneurship, elucidates the empowering value of digital technologies for SMEs, and analyzes the operational challenges SMEs face in digital entrepreneurship. By integrating case studies and theoretical frameworks, the paper proposes targeted pathways for business model innovation. The findings aim to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for SMEs to achieve efficient entrepreneurship and enhance core competitiveness in the digital economy, ultimately facilitating their high-quality entrepreneurial development.

In the modern world, social entrepreneurship is recognized as a key instrument for solving challenges such as social exclusion, environmental protection, and economic development. In Croatia, a country with numerous social and economic challenges, social entrepreneurs have the potential to contribute to sustainable development by promoting innovative solutions and social innovations. This paper analyses the concept of social entrepreneurship, its role in Croatian society, and provides recommendations for its further development. Using the example of the activities and work of the social cooperative Humana Nova as a social enterprise, the business model contributing to positive environmental and social impact will be described. In conclusion, the importance of creating supportive policies, education, and collaboration among all stakeholders involved is emphasized to strengthen the social economy sector.