Short answer
When designing or supporting surplus food redistribution initiatives, focus on selecting or developing business models that have demonstrated success, rather than solely on increasing the degree of hybridity.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (2020)
- Method
- Mixed-methods research (qualitative desk research followed by quantitative survey and analysis)
- Sample
- 45 initiatives
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Organizations that blend environmental and commercial objectives within their business models are more successful at redistributing surplus food. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University). Using Mixed-methods research (qualitative desk research followed by quantitative survey and analysis) with 45 initiatives, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing or supporting surplus food redistribution initiatives, focus on selecting or developing business models that have demonstrated success, rather than solely on increasing the degree of hybridity.
Hybrid business models drive success in surplus food redistribution
Organizations that blend environmental and commercial objectives within their business models are more successful at redistributing surplus food.
Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) · 2020
Key Findings
- 01Four distinct business model archetypes were identified in the surplus food redistribution sector.
- 02A relationship exists between business model archetypes and the success of these initiatives.
- 03A relationship exists between business model archetypes and the degree of hybridity.
- 04No direct association was found between the degree of hybridity and the success of the initiatives.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing or supporting surplus food redistribution initiatives, focus on selecting or developing business models that have demonstrated success, rather than solely on increasing the degree of hybridity.
How to apply
When evaluating or designing a new initiative, map its potential business model against the identified archetypes and consider how the chosen model supports both its mission and its operational viability.
Project actions
- 01When researching a problem, consider how different organizational structures or business models could be applied.
- 02If your design project has social or environmental goals, think about how a business model can support these aims and ensure the project's long-term survival.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive data collection through desk research and surveys.
- +Identification of distinct archetypes provides a useful categorization.
Limitations
The findings are specific to food redistribution in the Netherlands and may not directly apply to other sectors or regions. The definition and measurement of 'success' can be subjective.
Reliability & validity
The use of mixed methods (qualitative categorization followed by quantitative analysis) enhances the reliability and validity of the findings. However, the subjective nature of categorizing business models and defining 'success' could introduce some limitations.
Think critically
If hybridity itself isn't directly linked to success, what other factors might explain why certain hybrid organizations are more successful than others?
Design Principles
"For initiatives with dual social and economic goals, the strategic alignment of the business model archetype is a stronger predictor of success than the mere presence of hybridity."
Understanding how to balance social and economic goals is crucial for designing sustainable initiatives that address significant environmental challenges like food waste. This research provides a framework for evaluating and developing business models that can achieve both impact and viability.
What This Means for Your Design
This study shows that for organizations trying to reduce food waste, the way they structure their business (their 'business model') is more important for success than just trying to do both good (environmental) and make money. Different business models work better for this kind of work.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify the choice of a specific business model or organizational structure for your design project, especially if it addresses social or environmental issues.
- 2.Cite this study when discussing the importance of strategic planning and business model innovation in achieving project goals.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research into surplus food redistribution initiatives suggests that the specific business model archetype employed significantly influences an organization's success, more so than the degree of hybridity (balancing social and commercial goals). This highlights the importance of strategic design in developing sustainable solutions for complex societal challenges.
Source
Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University)
Relations between business model archetypes, degrees of hybridity and levels of success: A study on surplus food redistribution initiatives in the Netherlands
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about hybrid business models drive success in surplus food redistribution?
- When designing or supporting surplus food redistribution initiatives, focus on selecting or developing business models that have demonstrated success, rather than solely on increasing the degree of hybridity. Evidence: Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (2020).
- Why does "Hybrid business models drive success in surplus food redistribution" matter for design?
- Understanding how to balance social and economic goals is crucial for designing sustainable initiatives that address significant environmental challenges like food waste. This research provides a framework for evaluating and developing business models that can achieve both impact and viability.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing or supporting surplus food redistribution initiatives, focus on selecting or developing business models that have demonstrated success, rather than solely on increasing the degree of hybridity.
- What were the main findings?
- Four distinct business model archetypes were identified in the surplus food redistribution sector.. A relationship exists between business model archetypes and the success of these initiatives.. A relationship exists between business model archetypes and the degree of hybridity.. No direct association was found between the degree of hybridity and the success of the initiatives.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods research (qualitative desk research followed by quantitative survey and analysis) with 45 initiatives.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When evaluating or designing a new initiative, map its potential business model against the identified archetypes and consider how the chosen model supports both its mission and its operational viability.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused solely on initiatives in the Netherlands, and success was measured through specific, potentially limited, metrics.