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Exploring Characteristics of Regenerative Business Models through a Delphi-Inspired Approach

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  • Linda Drupsteen

    (Centre for Economic Transformation, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 1102 CR Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Ingrid Wakkee

    (Centre for Economic Transformation, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 1102 CR Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Amidst escalating environmental and social challenges, this study explores regenerative business models’ definition and characteristics. While sustainable models have made considerable strides in research, policy, and practice, the advent of regenerative business models offers a progressive leap forward. Regenerative business models aspire to contribute to ecological restoration and societal well-being. The regenerative business model concept is, however, still in its infancy and lacks a comprehensive definition. Our study aims to expand this knowledge, using a Delphi-inspired approach that builds on the knowledge of academic and business experts. Our approach includes three rounds of surveys: an open-ended survey, a survey for rating and ranking the earlier responses of all participants, and a final survey to select key characteristics. We investigate patterns and distinctions among regenerative, regenerative business, and regenerative business models, and analyze their positioning vis-a-vis circular and net-positive models. Findings underscore that organizations adopting regenerative business models focus on planetary health and societal well-being. They generate value across multiple stakeholder levels, including nature, societies, customers, suppliers, shareholders, and employees. Despite overlapping with circular and net-positive models, regenerative business models also emphasize interdependencies between humans and nature, and provide a more holistic approach, centered on restoration rather than mere mitigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda Drupsteen & Ingrid Wakkee, 2024. "Exploring Characteristics of Regenerative Business Models through a Delphi-Inspired Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:7:p:3062-:d:1371169
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steve Evans & Doroteya Vladimirova & Maria Holgado & Kirsten Van Fossen & Miying Yang & Elisabete A. Silva & Claire Y. Barlow, 2017. "Business Model Innovation for Sustainability: Towards a Unified Perspective for Creation of Sustainable Business Models," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(5), pages 597-608, July.
    2. Jacob D Rendtorff, 2019. "Sustainable Development Goals and progressive business models for economic transformation," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 34(6), pages 510-524, September.
    3. Danilo Brozovic, 2020. "Business model based on strong sustainability: Insights from an empirical study," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 763-778, February.
    4. Emma Anna Carolina Emanuelsson & Aurelie Charles & Parimala Shivaprasad, 2021. "A Regenerative Business Model with Flexible, Modular and Scalable Processes in A Post-Covid Era: The Case of The Spinning Mesh Disc Reactor (SMDR)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-11, June.
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