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Title Can digitalization favour the emergence of innovative and sustainable business models? A qualitative exploration in the automotive sector
ID_Doc 34500
Authors Acciarini, C; Borelli, F; Capo, F; Cappa, F; Sarrocco, C
Title Can digitalization favour the emergence of innovative and sustainable business models? A qualitative exploration in the automotive sector
Year 2022
Published Journal Of Strategy And Management, 15, 3
DOI 10.1108/JSMA-02-2021-0033
Abstract Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the digitalization phenomenon in the development of innovative business models that are sustainability oriented. Thus, the authors aim to understand whether the presence of digitalization forces companies to create, capture and deliver value in new ways, focusing on their social impact. Design/methodology/approach Through the analysis of a case study in the automotive sector, the authors provide evidence that both digitalization and sustainability need to be considered to adequately innovate business models. Moreover, these two dimensions are interrelated, and therefore digitalization sustains sustainability and vice versa. Findings By inductively investigating the evolutionary path along which companies tend to adapt their business models to digitalization and sustainability trends, the authors found that this innovative transformation needs to be as sustainable as possible in order to offer benefits to organizations, customers and society at large. Furthermore, the authors revealed that, at least in the automotive sector, companies and customers are aware of the remarkable consequences of digitalization; however, they are still uncertain regarding the actual adoption of new technologies. Originality/value The literature on business model innovation is quite extensive. However, the role of digitalization in developing sustainable business models to achieve a competitive advantage has been overlooked. This study suggests that, within a specific context, forging a value network of stakeholders is helpful when innovating a business model with a sustainability orientation.
Author Keywords Digitalization; Business model innovation; Sustainability; Stakeholder engagement; Corporate strategy
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)
EID WOS:000655421100001
WoS Category Management
Research Area Business & Economics
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