This book provides a rich overview and takes a closer look at the current state of theory and practice in the field of sustainable business models. The chapters in this book examine and analyze existing and new approaches towards sustainable business models and showcase the implementation of sustainable business through both quantitative and qualitative studies, including several case studies and many practical examples. It approaches these issues from the standpoints of diverse business disciplines to yield new insights and ideas that are relevant from both an academic and professional perspective. In its essence, the book examines how firms’ value creation processes can be driven by sustainability and social responsibility and how this impacts business and society. Readers will find a range of sustainable business models that have been employed and are being pioneered in various industries around the globe – which are thoroughly investigated and discussed, and put into a comprehensive conceptual framework.

A business model describes the rationale of how an organization creates, delivers, and captures value, in economic, social, cultural or other contexts. The process of business model construction is part of business strategy. In theory and practice, the term business model is used for a broad range of informal and formal descriptions to represent core aspects of a business, including purpose, business process, target customers, offerings, strategies, infrastructure, organizational structures, trading practices, and operational processes and policies. The literature has provided very diverse interpretations and definitions of a business model. A systematic review and analysis of manager responses to a survey defines business models as the design of organizational structures to enact a commercial opportunity. Further extensions to this design logic emphasize the use of narrative or coherence in business model descriptions as mechanisms by which entrepreneurs create extraordinarily successful growth firms. Business models are used to describe and classify businesses, especially in an entrepreneurial setting, but they are also used by managers inside companies to explore possibilities for future development. Well-known business models can operate as "recipes" for creative managers. Business models are also referred to in some instances within the context of accounting for purposes of public reporting. Table of Contents: Author Bios 7 1 Network-based business models 10 1.1 What defines a network based business model? 11 1.2 Barriers and challenges 12 2 Value creation maps 13 2.1 What is the value creation process? 14 2.2 Why might the value creation process be difficult to discover? 15 2.3 What is a value creation map? 17 2.4 The building process: A two-step method 17 2.5 Refining the value creation map 21 2.6 Value creation maps and indicators 22 2.7 Pros and cons 24 Strategic innovation - the context of business models and business development 26 3.1 Introduction: a new competitive landscape 27 3.2 Strategic innovation: the background 28 3.3 Defining strategic innovation 30 3.4 Defining business concepts 31 3.5 Discussions 39 4 Business model innovation 43 4.1 Method 44 4.2 Analysis 46 4.3 Discussion: Single vs. Multi BM Innovation 50 4.4 Conclusion 52 5 Innovative business models on NewConnect 53 5.1 NewConnect and other alternative markets in Europe 53 5.2 Information documents as a way to present business models 56 5.3 Sustainability of innovative business models 58 5.4 Sustainability of business models used by companies on NewConnect - Results of empirical research 64 6 Globalizing high-tech business models 72 6.1 Setting the Scene 72 6.2 Tensions at the Inception 73 6.3 Dyadic tensions 78 6.4 Conclusion 82 7 Business model design 83 7.1 Business model uncertainty 84 7.2 Business model design 87 7.3 Implications for business model practice 96 8 References 97 9 Endnotes 107 Executive

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Sustainable Business Models" that was published in Sustainability

Editor Biography: Adam Jab'o'ski is an associate professor in The Department of Management at the University of D'browa G�rnicza. He is also Vice-President of the Board of a reputable management consulting company "OTTIMA plus" Ltd. of Katowice, and President of the "Southern Railway Cluster" Association of Katowice, which supports development in railway transport and the transfer of innovation, as well as cooperation with European railway clusters (as a member of the European Railway Clusters Initiative). He holds a postdoctoral degree in Economic Sciences, specializing in Management Science. Having worked as a management consultant since 1997, he has broadened his experience and expertise through co-operation with a number of leading companies in Poland and abroad. He is the author of a variety of studies and business analyses on business models, value management, risk management, the balanced scorecard and corporate social responsibility. He has also written and co-written several monographs and over 100 scientific articles in the field of management, published both in Poland and abroad. Adam's academic interests focus on the issues of modern and efficient business model design, including Sustainable Business Models and the principles of company value building strategy that includes the rules of Corporate Social Responsibility. Book Description: The dynamics of market changes determine new perspectives both in the theory and practice of management science. The mechanisms of doing business aimed at achieving a high level of company performance are changing. This requires adequate instruments based on the solid pillars of strategic management. Undoubtedly, the key ontological beings which determine the success of an organization are effective and efficient business models, strategies and business processes. A kind of strategic hybrid emerges that shapes the principles of doing business subject to pressure, constraints and emerging opportunities. In this approach, companies implement strategies for growth and development not only to survive, but also to achieve a strong and competitive advantage. Value creation is another area of developing management science and practices, defining key factors underlying the conceptualization and operationalization of business models, strategies and business processes. The above mentioned concepts are nowadays widely discussed, creating a new dimension of strategic management. This monograph consists of chapters focused on both theoretical and practical conditions of modern companies, specifically focused on building effective and efficient business models and strategies. This monograph primarily refers to new research perspectives which determine the new challenges of strategic management. The aim of the monograph is to present views and approaches to strategic management determined by the development and growth of companies through building their business models and strategies. The issues addressed in this book are: -determining key trends in the theory and practice of management science -defining key ontological beings and their use in the dynamic management of modern companies -presenting the new dimensions of strategic management as seen through the eyes of the international authors of individual chapters -the possibility of applying solutions to problems addressed in this monograph The editor and authors hope that the presented combination of theory and practice will satisfy the needs of readers, in particular managers of modern companies, business consultants and researchers.

Business Models for Sustainability breaks new ground by combining three important insights. First, achieving sustainability requires socio-technical transitions that entail new technologies, production processes, lifestyles, and consumption patterns. Second, firms play crucial roles in mediating between sustainable production and consumption. Third, radical innovations require organizational innovations and new business models. Peter Wells successfully combines these big picture ideas with rich in-depth case studies drawing on years of accumulated expertise. Highly recommended. Frank W. Geels, University of Manchester, UK and Chairman of the Sustainability Transitions Research Network With increasing awareness that innovative technology alone is insufficient to make sustainable lifestyles a reality, this book brings into sharp focus the need to create radical new business models. This insightful book provides a theoretically grounded but also realistic account of how the design of business models can be a critical component in the overall transition to sustainability, and one that transcends the usual focus on innovative technology. Weaving together key principles and components for business sustainability, the book highlights five very different pathways to the future for sectors ranging from microbreweries and printing through to clothing, mobility and plastics. Business has only just started the first few tentative steps towards a very different approach to creating and sustaining value, but this book concludes that enormous opportunities will emerge alongside new ways of creating and capturing value. Academics and postgraduate students in the fields of sustainable business, business organisations and industrial ecology will find this book brings a greater understanding of business strategy and structure to the discipline. While traditionally referenced and structured, this academic book is accessibly written with key principles that may also appeal to the consultant community.

Co-authored by two leading experts in the field, this unique and forward thinking new core textbook shows how innovation in processes, products, services, business models and networks may be managed by what we care about. The book combines theoretical insights with a strong practical element, featuring a wealth of case studies and tools to help innovators solve societal problems and realise their ideals. Readers are be encouraged to explore not only sustainability-orientation and values of privacy or safety, but also their own unique values as relevant drivers for change within and across organisations. Accompanied by a strong pedagogical framework, the book begins by reviewing the field of innovation management before going on to discuss innovation in processes, products and services, and finally providing the student with the methods and tools for implementing change. This textbook is the ideal companion for advanced undergraduate or postgraduate students studying innovation management or entrepreneurship. The book also provides an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs, innovation managers and consultants.