Intellectual capital and sustainable development: a systematic literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Alvino ◽  
Assunta Di Vaio ◽  
Rohail Hassan ◽  
Rosa Palladino
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
English Language ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
2030 Agenda

PurposeThis paper investigates the literary corpus on the role of intellectual capital (IC) for the sustainable and innovative development of organisations. It provides a quantitative overview of the academic literature that constitutes this field. The paper discusses whether IC, through the implementation of knowledge management (KM) processes, can influence the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) towards the creation of sustainable business models (SBMs), which are outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 agenda and adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015.Design/methodology/approachBased on a database containing 45 publications in the English language with a publication date from 1990 to 2019 (October), a bibliometric analysis was conducted. Data on publications, journals, authors and citations were collected, re-checked and examined by applying bibliometric measures.FindingsThe bibliographic analysis identified that the research published on IC in the perspective of sustainability focusses mainly on the measurement of results, in terms of increased business performance. The results show that the IC is linked to the concept of long-term value. Therefore, the development potential of the IC is linked to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development (SD). These results also provide a framework for the literature on IC and SDGs by highlighting the connection with the EO to develop SBMs.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on IC as a driver for SD. In more detail, it provides a systematic review of the literature on these topics under the umbrella of the SDG perspective.

Biomimetic economy: human ecological-economic systems emulating natural ecological systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 772-785
Author(s):  
Unai Tamayo ◽  
Gustavo Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Basque Country ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Levels Of Abstraction ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of biomimicry to inspire sustainable development in economic systems. The research purpose is to explore the link between ecological systems and economic systems to highlight applied environmental solutions. The goal is to propose some driver to develop sustainable business practices inspired on the principles of biomimicry. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides a theoretical approach that builds the basis for a better understanding of the relationship between nature and sustainable economic decisions. The premise is that in the field of sustainable development, strategies based on “learning from nature” are useful. Furthermore, the concept of biomimicry provides principles and tools specifically aimed at design practice. Findings The complexity of economic systems has shown that high levels of abstraction are required when conceptualising problems and explanations related with nature-inspired solutions. Stakeholder engagement and transdisciplinary collaboration are required to face long-term environmental challenges. Moreover, the exploratory analysis applied in this paper appeared suitable to compile existing literature. Practical implications The study provides some general guidelines and empirical approach through case studies that could help decision makers convert nature-inspired alternatives into valuable strategic business opportunities. Although presented practical cases are framed in the local sphere (i.e. the Basque Country), they can serve as references in other international contexts. Social implications New business models should recognize the positive synchronization between well-managed social, environmental and economic systems. Originality/value The proposed ideas deepen the understanding on the sustainable development and the link between ecological and economic systems. In fact, the concept of biomimetic economy has not been dealt with or developed in depth in previous academic works, nor has it been published thoroughly in the field of research.

“Integrated thinking and reporting” towards sustainable business models: a concise bibliometric analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Assunta Di Vaio ◽  
Theodore Syriopoulos ◽  
Federico Alvino ◽  
Rosa Palladino
Keyword(s):  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Allocation Of Resources ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Business Models

Purpose This paper aims to provide a thorough and systematic overview of the academic literature focusing on the role of integrated reporting (IR) and integrated thinking (IT) in achieving sustainable business models (SBMs). The paper discusses whether the incorporation of newer IR systems can facilitate the integration of processes, as well as a better allocation of resources and capital to create long-term value, according to a circular approach. Design/methodology/approach Based on a database containing 60 publications in English with a publication date from 1990 to 2019, a bibliometric analysis is conducted. Data on publications, journals, authors and citations are collected, verified, cross-checked and examined by applying bibliometric measures. Findings Bibliometric analysis has identified that IR and IT have determined an evolution in the way companies communicate and create value, facilitating the integration of processes and a better allocation of resources and capital. However, market practice still perceives them as simple reporting tools to meet stakeholders’ needs rather than as critical corporate governance tools. Research limitations/implications This study highlights key issues in the past literature on IR and IT to meet SDGs, contributing also to the identification of critical difficulties that companies encounter in attempting to attain sustainable goals. Originality/value This document contributes to the existing literature on IR, IT and SBMs through a systematic review of the literature on these topics along with the sustainable development goals perspective. The study, furthermore, attempts to assess the role that the relevant literature attributes to IR and IT in the SBMs architecture.

Responsible entrepreneurship: outlining the contingencies

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 538-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Vallaster ◽  
Sascha Kraus ◽  
Norbert Kailer ◽  
Brooke Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Responsible Innovation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Society Business ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give an up-to-date assessment of key topics and methods discussed in the current literature on responsible entrepreneurship. In the past years, sustainable development itself has become a more popular and important topic in the academic literature and hence the field of sustainable entrepreneurship has become a greater topic of interest and opportunity for solution. Therefore, a systematic literature review is conducted to assess new contributions to the field and its potential for the future of sustainable development, with a focus on responsible innovation.Design/methodology/approachSystematic, evidence-informed literature review following Tranfieldet al.(2003).FindingsBased on a conceptual literature review, five streams of research that responsible entrepreneurs distinguish from purely for-profit entrepreneurs are identified and discussed: walking the line between profit creation and value creation for society; business models of responsible entrepreneurs; their role in transforming society; getting ready to innovate responsibly; and the role of market incentives to foster sustainable business practices.Originality/valueThe structured literature review allows to identify future research paths. In detail, ideas as regards the management of upcoming tensions when trying to combine profit creation and value creation for society, and finally, the way innovation processes need to be rethought when innovating responsibly are discussed and outlined.

The Challenges of Sustainable Business Development in the Post-Industrial Society in the First Half of the 21st Century

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasja Roblek ◽  
Ivan Erenda ◽  
Maja Meško
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Industrial Society ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Post Industrial

The purpose of the chapter is to find out the meaning of the sustainable development in the post-industrial society in the first half of the 21st century. The financial crisis that started in 2008 is an indicator of how short-term profitability mindsets and related strategies, policies and actions of individuals and individual organizations can cause global economic, ecological and ethical crises. These events have contributed to the judgement that most organizations operate on business models that are not sustainable. The conceptual content contributes to the ongoing discussion about the increasingly important role of sustainable development as a major concern for the profit and non-profit sector that wish to develop the policies that will enable low but sustainable growth of society.

Sustainable Business Model Innovation

2017 ◽  
pp. 140-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Job Taminiau ◽  
Joseph Nyangon ◽  
Ariella Shez Lewis ◽  
John Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Business Model Innovation ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Sustainable Business Models ◽  
Development Goals

Establishing a sustainable energy future can justifiably be considered the next frontier in global sustainable development under the agenda laid out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The newly adopted Paris Agreement which seeks to hold global average temperature increase to “well below 2°C” above pre-industrial levels inserts additional urgency into this agenda. To realize the commitments outlined in the agreement, implementation of innovative sustainable business models capable of producing strong mitigation and adaptation outcomes is required ‘on the ground' and needs to be available for subsequent diffusion across different countries, contexts and domains. This chapter explores the value of polycentric climate change governance through an investigation of sustainable business model innovation. An example of a sustainable business model, called the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), is evaluated and an assessment of United Nations-based programming to aid future diffusion of such business models is conducted.

scholarly journals Arguments in Favor of Moving to a Sustainable Business Model in the Apiary Industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Diana Panța
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
The Sustainable Development

Abstract Today’s society faces major challenges in meeting future global food demands and solving biodiversity loss, and it quickly needs to find ways in addressing these issues. The places to look for solutions come from the economic sectors that employ the most powerful pressure on these issues such as agriculture. Apiculture, as a branch of agriculture is being more and more recognized as sustaining human life and contributing to sustainability. However, the sector records a progressive decline of honey bees. Therefore, a rapid restructuring needs to take place in agricultural markets, in general, as well as in apiary agribusinesses. Although important, technological progress is insufficient in providing the necessary changes to achieve long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability, which should be considered both within and between generations. Consequently, sustainable business models encourage sustainable development through a triple bottom line approach and provide an analytical tool for firms into assessing the different aspects that are combined in order to create value. Since literature has paid little attention to the sustainable development in the apiary agribusiness, the present paper aims to link the two using a business model perspective and bring arguments in favor of moving to a sustainable business model.

scholarly journals The influence of the 2030 Agenda on sustainable consumption through an analysis of academic publications

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Marcelo Barbosa ◽  
Bruna Angela Branchi ◽  
Denise Helena Lombardo Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
English Language ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Scientific Production ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Accelerated Growth ◽  
Scopus Database

The sustainable development in a society depends on different factors, among which we can highlight the consciousness of the inhabitants about the need to maintain habits and consumption standards aligned with concepts of sustainability to ensure the preservation of natural resources for current and future generations. Focusing on the theme of consumption standards, this study aims to assess the influence of fostering the 2030 Agenda in academic publications related to the sustainable consumption theme. This research is classified as a bibliometric analysis, as it seeks to quantify the scientific production and its dissemination, with a quantitative approach, as it measures what was observed. The SCOPUS and SciELO databases were selected for the bibliometric research, with consultations on 06/23/2021. The results show that the articles available in the SCOPUS database represents 97.3% of publications with the term “sustainable consumption”. After 2015, the year of the introduction of the 2030 Agenda, there was an accelerated growth of the term Sustainable Consumption in academic publications, especially in the English language.

scholarly journals Road-mapping the business potential of sustainability within the European manufacturing industry

foresight ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 360-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katri Valkokari ◽  
Pasi Valkokari ◽  
Katariina Palomäki ◽  
Teuvo Uusitalo ◽  
Markku Reunanen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Road Mapping

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the required changes, outline business potential and envisage the key steps that a networked manufacturing industry needs to take to reach more sustainably performing manufacturing in the future. Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilises a visionary road-mapping approach to study the required changes and the business potential related to sustainable development in the manufacturing industry. Findings – The results were summarised in three sub-roadmaps empowerment of stakeholders, increase efficiency and creation of new performance criteria. On the basis of the summary of the sub-roadmaps, the framework was configured to describe the opportunities and challenges of sustainable business development in the European manufacturing industry. Research limitations/implications – A clear implication of this study is that a more system-oriented approach, new models for collaboration between network actors and transparently shared network-level KPIs are required before further steps towards a sustainable manufacturing industry can be taken. In addition, sustainability-driven business models are required to specify these changes concretely. Practical implications – The presented sub-roadmaps and framework summarising them could provide new insights to business practitioners exploring business potential of sustainability. Social implications – Understanding about the road-mapping process as tool that enables interaction and envisioning between different stakeholders could also have social implications supporting shared industry-level learning processes. Originality/value – Studies of sustainability within the manufacturing industry have focused mainly on green issues in supply-chain management or corporation-level governance models and reporting practices. The paper presents a broader view of sustainable development and recognises networked business as part of the solution.

scholarly journals How to Innovate the Service Design of Leisure Farms: The Innovation of Sustainable Business Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengyi Lin ◽  
Fu-Yuan Li ◽  
Zhe Ji
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Service Design ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Customer Journey ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Business Models ◽  
Resource Deployment ◽  
Business Challenges

There is extensive academic literature about service satisfaction, business performance analysis, and management research of leisure farms, but there are still many problems and room for development on how to create customer journey maps for diversified leisure farms and also on service innovation opportunities. Leisure agricultural tourism is now facing diversified business challenges, and thoughts on service design as well as methods and tools contribute to the innovation of sustainable business models. By exploring customers’ touchpoints on leisure farms and their core motivations to visit the farm, this paper proposes a method to integrate the application of target tools of touchpoints into the customer journey map and shows the service design framework of leisure farms’ management and organization. Finally, this paper puts forward five key requirements on touchpoints in leisure farms’ service innovation, so as to achieve reasonable resource deployment of marketing mix and promote the sustainable development of leisure farms.

scholarly journals Classification of Sustainable Business Models: A literature review and a map of their impact on the Sustainable Development Goals

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 784-794
Author(s):  
Eleonora Boffa ◽  
Antonio Maffei
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Integration Process ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Business Models ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Impact

Sustainable Business Models (SBM) have been seen as a suitable vehicle for organizations to convey sustainability. The SBM requires a company's business strategy to be shaped around sustainability goals. These goals can be integrated into the business strategy by creating an internal commitment focused on sustainability. Enablers play a crucial role in this integration process. The 2030 Agenda issued by the United Nations set clear goals on sustainable development, i.e. the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Firms are encouraged to design SBM to fulfil these goals. Yet, an extensive investigation of the effect of the SBM applications on the SDGs is lacking. This paper is based on a semantic analysis of the relevant literature. The results show the internal enablers that support the integration process of sustainability into the organization's strategy. In addition to that, the underlying classification process highlights the clusters of applications for the SBM. These are, in turn, mapped over the SDGs to show the impact of each cluster on each SDG.

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