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The business model of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) laboratories – A triple-layered perspective

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  • You, Weimu
  • Chen, Weifeng
  • Agyapong, Michael
  • Mordi, Chima

Abstract

As the question of funding for DIY laboratories remains a matter of central interest for the financial sustainability of laboratories, this paper studies Do-It-Yourself (DIY) laboratories from the under-researched business model and management perspective. We have applied the triple-layered business model canvas (TLBMC) to explore and understand DIY laboratories from the economic, environmental, and social value creation aspects. Based on our comprehensive literature review and exploratory case studies, our research findings reveal that DIY laboratories are essentially technology hubs offering technology enthusiasts and entrepreneurs physical and social spaces and business incubation to help them survive and thrive. Engaged with all the Triple Helix stakeholders, DIY laboratories offer a platform of science innovation and technology incubation at the grassroots level for technology entrepreneurs to grow economically, socially, and sustainably.

Suggested Citation

  • You, Weimu & Chen, Weifeng & Agyapong, Michael & Mordi, Chima, 2020. "The business model of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) laboratories – A triple-layered perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:159:y:2020:i:c:s0040162520310313
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120205
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Samir Mili & Tasnim Loukil, 2023. "Enhancing Sustainability with the Triple-Layered Business Model Canvas: Insights from the Fruit and Vegetable Industry in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Gantert, Till M. & Fredrich, Viktor & Bouncken, Ricarda B. & Kraus, Sascha, 2022. "The moral foundations of makerspaces as unconventional sources of innovation: A study of narratives and performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 1564-1574.
    3. Zsuzsanna Győri & Yahya Khan & Krisztina Szegedi, 2021. "Business Model and Principles of a Values-Based Bank—Case Study of MagNet Hungarian Community Bank," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-27, August.
    4. Carolina López-Nicolás & Jesús Ruiz-Nicolás & Enrique Mateo-Ortuño, 2021. "Towards Sustainable Innovative Business Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-19, May.
    5. Qiu, Yixin & Bouncken, Ricarda B. & Arndt, Félix & Ng, Wilson, 2023. "Microfoundations and dynamics of do-it-yourself ecosystems," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    6. Rezaee Vessal, Saeedeh & Partouche-Sebban, Judith & Scuotto, Veronica & Maalaoui, Adnane, 2021. "Overcoming stressful life events at do-it-yourself (DIY) laboratories. A new trailblazing career for disadvantaged entrepreneurs," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).

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