Search Results (25)

This study investigates the Business Model Canvas (BMC) as a visual education tool within a training pathway aimed at enhancing human capital in inner areas. Using a qualitative case study involving 22 participants, data were collected through observations, analysis of four canvases, trainers’ reflections, and jury evaluations. Findings show that the BMC reduces cognitive load, supports distributed cognition, and fosters reflexivity, creativity, and collaborative learning. Moreover, it enables the development of entrepreneurial and strategic skills, contributing to social innovation and sustainable territorial development. Full article

This study proposes a standards-based Reference AI Business Model Canvas (Reference AI-BMC) that translates the use-case descriptors of ISO/IEC TR 24030 into the nine blocks of the Business Model Canvas, addressing the lack of a structured translation layer between AI standards and business-model design. Using ten selected fields of the ISO/IEC TR 24030 use-case template, a two-round Delphi process derives consensus-based mapping rules from expert judgments; Latent Dirichlet Allocation is used as a field-level semantic analysis to provide interpretive context for the Delphi-derived mappings. Primary mappings are reported as default translation references that met the 80% strict-consensus threshold, secondary mappings as context-dependent relations, and the adjudicated dual-mapping exception A5 (Threats/Challenges → Cost Structure) as a separately documented case. After converting the finalized primary mapping rules into a coding manual, three independent coders applied them to 81 AI use cases; the Layer 1 coding yielded Krippendorff’s α = 1.000, descriptively indicating no observed coder disagreement under the specified coding conditions. The Reference AI-BMC contributes a standards-based, consensus-derived translation layer for systematically organizing AI use cases in business-model terms, offering a structured starting point for early use-case workshops, preliminary portfolio screening, and standards-aware AI service design discussions. Together, these results position the Reference AI-BMC as a standards-based, consensus-derived reference layer for organizing AI use cases in BMC terms, with its applicability bounded by the ISO/IEC TR 24030 descriptor structure and the specified mapping procedure. Full article

The business model canvas (BMC) is broadly used in entrepreneurship education as a trusted, practical tool for mapping out a company’s business model. Although the BMC helps students to obtain a quick overview of business operations, in practice, entrepreneurs need to adapt and change their business operations constantly in order to grow and remain viable. These changes in a business model are represented by business model innovation (BMI), but frameworks that capture changes in operations are not well developed. Hence, there is a need to present the dynamics of business model innovation through a dynamic business model framework. In this paper, we followed the experiential learning approach and focused on teaching BMI through applying and analyzing BMI in real start-up cases. We applied a two-phase research design by first asking students to apply and analyze the BMI of real start-ups using both the current business model canvas and the proposed dynamic business model framework. Following their analyses, master’s students were administered a survey to assess the benefits of the proposed dynamic business model framework. The results show that the current business model canvas has limitations in capturing the dynamics of BMI, which can be addressed by our proposed dynamic business model framework. The proposed framework can improve students’ level of understanding of BMI and, in particular, its dynamic nature. Full article

The aim of this research is to elaborate on the activities of non-formal experiential learning in agritourism developed by an organic family farm in Thessaloniki, Greece. Based on a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews with the owners of the farm and a Business Model Canvas (BMC) approach to this case study, the results indicate that workshops, seminars on nutrition, environmental conservation activities, plant identification, hands-on activities for children and cooking lessons with chefs are some of the non-formal learning tools. The aforementioned activities, on the one hand, raise gate sales for the family and, on the other hand, promote knowledge and awareness towards the contemporary environmental challenges that the rural areas and our food chain are facing. Future development strategies were also identified through the BMC, such as the adoption of digital educational tools, and ‘Do It Yourself’ kits for growing microgreens at home, while the need for official certification and support of multifunctional farms by the Ministry of Rural Development was also highlighted. Full article

This paper presents a systematic review of Tunisian stakeholders’ perceptions of integrating gender into green microfinance business models, analyzed through the lens of the Business Model Canvas (BMC). This systematic review of 32 studies indicates a dual perception of women as both vulnerable victims and active agents in the ecological transition. The BMC-based analysis reveals major weaknesses in the value proposition, distribution channels, and cost structures of gendered green microfinance offerings. Furthermore, we highlight the underexplored role of regulatory frameworks as levers for business model innovation. This study offers an original analytical framework that links gender, environmental sustainability, and microfinance business models, providing actionable insights for policymakers and microfinance institutions seeking to foster inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystems in Tunisia and similar contexts. Full article

This article examines the growing relevance of photovoltaic (PV) energy amid rising electricity demand, sustainability goals, and the need for flexible energy management in households and enterprises. It analyzes six PV business models, ownership, leasing, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), energy communities/peer-to-peer (P2P), crowdfunding, and subscription-based Solar-as-a-Service, using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) framework. A systematic literature review was combined with a unified BMC for each model, enabling structured comparison of value propositions, customer segments, cost structures, revenue streams, and risk allocation. The results show that no single universal model exists; each addresses different financial capacities, risk preferences, and strategic needs of households, SMEs, large enterprises, and energy communities. Significant differences were found in investment requirements, operational involvement, scalability, and potential for energy independence. The study’s novelty lies in providing a coherent, cross-model comparison using a standardized BMC approach, offering insights not systematically explored in previous research. These findings support informed decision-making for organizations considering PV adoption and provide a basis for further research on innovative energy management strategies. The topic is highly relevant in the context of the accelerating global energy transition, technological advances, regulatory changes, and increasingly diverse customer profiles, highlighting the need for comprehensive comparative analyses to guide flexible photovoltaic deployment. Full article

The importance of social farming (SF) is known in the literature, yet there is a lack of suitable tools for evaluating and monitoring these practices. Moreover, there is also a lack of data and information about the outcomes of the experiences and the impact they have on various stakeholders. Consequently, it is difficult to understand the extent to which SF can contribute to the achievement of sustainability and rural development goals. This study proposes an integrated framework to evaluate social farming practices, combining different methodologies such as SWOT analysis, Business Model Canvas (BMC), Social Return on Investment (SROI), and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The research evaluated a regional initiative in Lazio Region (Italy), aimed at the socio-occupational integration of disadvantaged individuals through SF networks. Data collection involved 127 stakeholders through interviews and focus groups. Through the integration of SWOT analysis and BMC, the strong influence of the local contexts and project leaders on the impacts of SF is shown. In addition, the integration of AHP with SROI highlights how to address the limitations in quantifying social, economic, and environmental benefits, thus improving the accuracy of impact assessments. Finally, the results underline the need for policies that ensure the continuity and scalability of SF projects, highlighting the central role of the farm in sustainable socio-occupational inclusion. The study contributes to the advancement of SF evaluation methodologies and informs future policy development. Full article

Medical and wellness tourism has emerged as a pivotal sector with significant economic implications globally, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study delves into the landscape of Saudi Arabia’s medical and wellness tourism, recognizing its importance as a key player in the tourism industry. The study aims to elevate this sector to new heights on the global stage by employing the Business Model Canvas (BMC) as a strategic tool. BMC allows for a comprehensive analysis of the medical tourism industry in Saudi Arabia, breaking down key elements across its nine blocks: key partners, key activities, key resources, value propositions, customer segments, channels, customer relationships, cost structure, and revenue streams. The results of this study shed light on the unique selling proposition (USP) as a crucial strategic step for Saudi Arabia to distinguish itself and enhance its position in the international medical tourism arena. By identifying and maximizing the unique aspects within each BMC block, the study presents a roadmap for Saudi Arabia, navigating the challenges and capitalizing on the potential of the medical and wellness tourism sector. This research serves as a guide, emphasizing the strategic importance of a well-defined business model to shape the future of medical and wellness tourism in Saudi Arabia and establish a prominent global presence. Full article

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are considered sustainable, cost-efficient, and resource-efficient land-use management approaches. When analysing NBS business models, two major challenges are commonly identified as slowing down broader NBS implementation: governance and financing barriers. This explorative study aims first to test the applicability of a NBS specific business model template and, second, to provide a clustered NBS business model pilot case study collection, which enables transferable solutions for overcoming the typical implementation challenges to be derived. Methodically, this is achieved by using the Nature-based Sustainability Business Model Canvas (NB S BMC for guided interviews. Twenty-three NBS case studies from proGIreg’s four Front Runner Cities, namely Dortmund, Ningbo, Turin, and Zagreb, are examined. Pestoff’s welfare triangle enables the NBS business models to be clustered. The main business model clusters are public provision, sales, and diversified. NBSs’ governance models are very adaptable to individual NBS cases, of the independent type, and can include a huge diversity of involved stakeholders regarding their functions in the NBS implementation. Our findings highlight adaptable governance models across diverse stakeholder functions and confirm the NB S BMC as a robust framework for understanding NBS business models. These insights extend to land-use practices beyond NBSs, offering a template for innovative urban planning strategies. Full article

The socioeconomic contribution of microbusinesses towards emerging economies is undeniable. However, numerous factors have broadened the gap between microbusinesses and their smartification. This conceptual study proposes the Technology Adoption Model Canvas (TAMC) based on theories such as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI), and the Business Model Canvas (BMC) alongside four new/emerging variables, making it possible to understand technology adoption through both individual/cognitive and organizational/physical perspectives. The framework is developed for food service (FS) microbusinesses to facilitate their adaptability in current and future market conditions. Subsequently, we explain the development of the TAMC, including its significance, limitations, and avenues for future research. The proposed framework can provide a solution for FS microbusinesses towards a ‘smarter’ and more sustainable future. It further guides the evaluation of both microbusinesses’ readiness and the factors driving/impeding them towards/from adopting smart technology. Full article

Businesses are under pressure to increasingly consider sustainability as an integral part of the enterprise and business model. Nature-based solutions (NBS) definitions reflect that sustainability can be improved by implementing NBS. These NBS require tailored business models. Therefore, this study aims to conceptualize a holistic business model canvas capturing the sustainability contributions ofNBS. Methodically, the new Canvas is proposed based on an extensive literature review, and the application and testing are carried out on NBSs implemented in the proGIreg project’s three European Living Labs. As a result, by building on the Business Model Canvas (BMC) by Osterwalder and Pigneur as well as various modifications to capture the core concepts of sustainability and NBS, a new BMC for NBS is proposed—the nature-based sustainability Business Model Canvas (NB S BMC). It consists of 14 building blocks and offers a holistic overview of NBS business models considering the multi-faceted character of NBS. The case studies show that the NB S BMC can be applied to different contexts independently of their location and content orientation. Although this study development puts an emphasis on NBS, it can also be applied to capturing sustainable business models beyond the NBS domain. Full article

SCF (Supply Chain Finance), as an emerging technology-driven financial optimization approach, has grown quickly worldwide with the development of information technology. China is one noteworthy country influenced by SCF development; its traditional financial market structure dominated by banks is undergoing change. The E-commerce-centered SCF has evolved into the representative capital provider in the new financial “Blue Ocean” market. For capturing competitiveness, Chinese JD (Jingdong) SCF practice backed to JD E-commerce is a typical example involving business model innovations, but with few previous related studies on this aspect. Therefore, to fill the research gap, this paper introduces a hybrid theoretical analysis of the BMC (Business Model Canvas) considering a three-layer strategic innovation structure and financial analysis regarding a modified competitive advantages-gaining model to comprehensively explore the recent innovative development and transformation of JD SCF business based on the perspective of competitive advantages. This study identifies JD SCF’s two times of business model innovations that benefit from its sustainable development; verifies that “cost”, “differentiation”, and “focused strategy” are three means for JD SCF practice gaining competitiveness at different development stages and simultaneously emphasizes that the latter two are influenced by business model innovation. The mixed analysis work in this paper may contribute both theoretical and practical implications. Full article

The existing body of knowledge on the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) reflects their benefits and relative advantages, particularly in addressing contemporary construction challenges. However, the uptake of such methods is minimal, particularly in the public construction sector. The low uptake has led MMC firms to liquidation due to the lack of an economy of scale. Studies, particularly recently, explain that the low adoption rates are linked to the inappropriateness of existing business models responsible for driving broader demand. This paper assumes that the lag in MMC adoption could be related to the ability of supply business models to communicate confidence to demand. Public clients are foreseen as important target customers, acquiring influential status across the industry, with an expected potential to drive innovation adoption across the sector. A systematic review method allows scholars to assess existing literature by critically locating and analysing relative publications to approach the study’s aim. Through utilising this method, the study classifies the arguments against the Business Model Canvas (BMC), and argues the results with respect to contingency theory, and in turn, synthesizing a new meaning that reveals the considerations needed to boost business model performance when penetrating the public sector. Hence, the critical analyses of 70 studies relative to MMC, led to proposing the contingencies that are believed to better structure business models. Results suggest that MMC firms can embrace specific reforms and gain more momentum when communicating confidence to public client organisations; however, a guideline that conceptualises the interactions between the elements and their influence on the decision-making does not exist, and this may be inhibiting coherency on how MMC businesses drive broader demand. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to utilise the contingency theory as an attempt to disseminate previous efforts to explain the low adoption of MMC in the UK public sector. Full article

The concept of a Lean Business Model (LBM) is derived from the Business Model Canvas (BMC), which is primarily focused on well-established businesses. However, in a competitive environment typified by Schumpeterian waves of creative destruction, new businesses in the entrepreneurial ecosystem face the strategic challenge of constantly adapting and evolving alongside well-established companies. This proposes that the threat of newcomer disruption may affect all types of organisations, including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly small and young businesses. The presence of SMEs is one of the most crucial factors in the growth of Malaysia’s economy. Although SMEs contribute significantly to the economy, do they provide a better entrepreneurial ecosystem? This study aims to conceptualise how the integration of lean business and the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) might improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malaysia. The development of this model will be conducted using a triangulation of qualitative data sources comprising document analysis, interviews, and archival records. The validity of the findings will be examined based on the dimensions of trustworthiness to ensure that data obtained are accurate and reliable. The anticipated results of this study may show the impact of a new hybrid between lean business and the TRIZ model on the Malaysian SMEs entrepreneurial ecosystem. This new model will provide fresh insights into ways to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem in line with the National Entrepreneurial Policy (NEP) 2030. Furthermore, the SMEs can be strengthened for the purpose of expanding their proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and exports, not just locally but also globally. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the rapid evolution and digitization of different tourism sectors through Industry 4.0. However, Community-based Rural Tourism (CRT) has not experienced the same technological advancement. Thus, considering tourism as a powerful socioeconomic driver, this research is based on the relevance of the CRT for the development of rural areas through job creation, preservation of historical-cultural and architectural heritage, and appreciation of the local market. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to present a concept development model of an intelligent digital platform (IDP), where tourism products and services are visualized, articulated, and integrated with the different actors of the CRT, offering a personalized tourist experience. The concept was developed based on Business Process Management and Business Model Canvas (BMC). Thus, through meetings and interviews, it was possible to extract essential information to obtain the necessary know-how for the development of the concept. It was concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has established a new business scenario, intensifying and accelerating the use of digital tools and ICTs in several sectors, including tourism. However, the use of ICTs in CRT is still incipient. As Peru is a country where rural tourism has a strong tradition, but there are no specific platforms for CRT, which makes the broad dissemination of rural experiences difficult, a BMC template has been developed to integrate the expected objectives, and the application of the proposed framework serves as a guide for other platforms with different niches markets in the tourism sector. Full article