Extending Sustainable Business Model Archetypes with a Stakeholder Value Creation Perspective

Abstract

This conceptual paper aims to extend sustainable business model archetypes developed by Bocken et al (2014) by incorporating a stakeholder value creation perspective suggested by Freudenreich et al (2019) and holistic sustainability orientation recommend by Elkington (1998). Among eight archetypes, only two sustainable business models, adopting a stewardship and developing scale up solutions, embrace a triple bottom line approach and aim at creating value with and for a wide range of stakeholders. In addition, meeting the needs of shareholders is a common characteristic of all almost all archetypes, excluding repurposing for society/environment. Sustainable business models focusing on material-energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and sustainable production-consumption engage with value delivery network actors to create value. In line with triple bottom line approach, only four of the archetypes integrate economic, environmental, and social benefits for sustainable development.