From sustainability to thrivability: A novel framework for entrepreneurial ecosystems

Abstract

The present research proposes a theoretical framework for a thrivable entrepreneurial ecosystem in which thrivability is a novel entrepreneurship approach that embeds a comprehensive view in which sustainability is ‘the way to walk’ rather than the goal to reach. A thrivable entrepreneurial ecosystem aims to create prosperity through ecosystem resource (re)generation and transformation to define long-term economic goals. The framework is applied here to address the grand challenge of sustainable development in wineries. A local wine ecosystem in Italy is employed as a case study supported by mix-method-based, in-depth data collection (survey and interview). Results from the study support the idea that organizations can collaborate in a thrivable entrepreneurial ecosystem as a unique entity respectful of nature, driving economic viability of both firms and territories by improving quality of life, and caring for natural resources and local communities. This novel entrepreneurial approach may represent a turning point for facing increasingly grand business challenges.

The contribution of manufacturing companies to the achievement of sustainable development goals: An empirical analysis of the operationalization of sustainable business models

“…More precisely, this study also highlights the importance of adopting a local embeddedness strategy and creating a sustainable ecosystem via the inclusion of a broad network of stakeholders with specific traits (Gyrd‐Jones & Kornum, 2013) that comply with sustainability criteria in such a way that value can be co‐created. The creation of stakeholder ecosystems moves companies toward addressing the grand challenges of sustainable development and the pursuit of thrivability (e.g., Moggi et al, 2022).…”

“…Thanks to such integration, sustainability is elevated to the strategic level in these companies, which can be defined as sustainability‐oriented businesses. These are initiatives established by entrepreneurs who are motivated to address the grand challenges of sustainable development and pursue “thrivability” (e.g., Moggi et al, 2022; Smitsman, 2019) by undertaking business practices aimed at achieving the SDGs (e.g., Agrawal et al, 2022; Horne et al, 2020). To extrapolate value rationally (e.g., Zott & Amit, 2007), they redesign their traditional model of doing business by creating a business model (BM) that simultaneously depicts financial and sustainable value, thereby responding to the global call for sustainable development.…”

Sustainable Entrepreneurship: A Literature Review

“…Besides, openness to change is potentially a personal value among sustainable entrepreneurs since it allows independent thinking and action-taking. Sustainability is a continuously evolving concept based on the needs of the people [82]. With globalization and immigration, sustainability challenges are increasingly becoming diverse due to the changes in demographics and people's needs [83].…”

Connecting the dots? Entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable entrepreneurship as pathways to sustainability

“…There is an emerging view on the crucial role of entrepreneurship in social welfare and achieving UN SDGs (Ferasso et al, 2020; Thees et al, 2020). The United Nations' agenda underlines the need for sustainable entrepreneurship to act on issues related to sustainability and its impact on financial, ecological, and social goals (Liu & Stephens, 2019; Moggi et al, 2021).…”