The link between sustainable business models and Blockchain: A multiple case study approach

Abstract

The paper investigates the relationship between Blockchain technology and new sustainable business models (SBMs). The literature notes a lack of empirical classifications and successful case studies. Using a multiple case studies methodology, our research article aims to answer the research question (RQ): How can Blockchain enable new SBMs and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? We present 20 business stories extracted from a combined analysis of the databases coinmarketcap.com and icobench.com, demonstrating how Blockchain can be used for environmental management. Notably, our analysis finds out four broad research clusters related to (i) smart energy management, (ii) climate change, (iii) waste management, and (iv) sustainable production. Mainly, an actual application of Blockchain toward SBMs is related to supply chain cost reduction. Finally, the research includes investments and their social scalability with Blockchain. Then, the final research cluster discovers social and proof sustainability. This study adds to the empirical literature evidence of SBMs offering a connection with the SDGs.

Blockchain for social good and stakeholder engagement: Evidence from a case study

“…Moreover, as Calandra et al (2022) recently suggested, a single case study is a suitable methodology for performing an in-depth analysis of relevant experiences. This methodology, indeed, allows scholars to obtain in-depth and robust understandings of an evolving phenomenon, such as the adoption of blockchain for social good.…”

“…However, a venture may implement more than one peculiarity of blockchain to solve one or more than one social objective. For instance, as also explained byCalandra et al (2022), the reliability, transparency, and decentralization peculiarities of blockchain allow a venture to solve several social objectives. A venture may implement these peculiarities to solve the SDG number 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all) and SDG number 12 (Responsible consumption and production).…”

“…In addition, several authors (e.g., Andoni et al, 2019;Bai et al, 2020;Kher et al, 2020;Wang, Han, & Beynon-Davies, 2019;Wang, Ouyang et al, 2019) are asking for studies on the relationship between blockchain and social improvement. To our best knowledge, just a very few recent studies have analyzed blockchain for social good (Calandra et al, 2022;Christ & Helliar, 2021;de Villiers et al, 2021). However, these recent papers, too, suggested the need to perform more studies on this topic.…”

How to increase sustainable production in the food sector? Mapping industrial and business strategies and providing future research agenda

“…In this vein, the recovered food waste can be applied for human consumption, creating energy, producing bio‐based substances and extracting valuable compounds such as proteins and fats (Magnacca et al, 2020; Rajeh et al, 2021; Sadraei, 2020). On the other hand, food waste management has also been considered an important sustainability objective by the United Nations 2030 Agenda (Calandra et al, 2022; Pizzi et al, 2020; Santagata et al, 2021). Through the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), food waste has been considered as related to specific goals such as goal number 2 named zero hungry (Goggins, 2018; Karki et al, 2021), number 12 on responsible consumption and production or number 17 on public‐private partnerships (de Visser‐Amundson, 2020).…”

“…be applied for human consumption, creating energy, producing biobased substances and extracting valuable compounds such as proteins and fats (Magnacca et al, 2020;Rajeh et al, 2021;Sadraei, 2020). On the other hand, food waste management has also been considered an important sustainability objective by the United Nations 2030 Agenda (Calandra et al, 2022;Pizzi et al, 2020;Santagata et al, 2021).…”