Short answer
When designing for the bioeconomy, consider adopting or adapting one of the seven identified archetypes, prioritizing waste recovery and bio-innovation, and exploring the potential of service-based models.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Sustainable Production and Consumption (2023)
- Method
- Systematic Literature Review and Practice Review
- Sample
- 61 (29 papers + 32 organizations)
- Evidence
- Strong effect
This research systematically identifies and describes seven distinct archetypes for business models specifically designed for a circular bioeconomy, offering a framework for innovation and implementation. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Sustainable Production and Consumption. Using Systematic literature review and practice review with 61 (29 papers + 32 organizations), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for the bioeconomy, consider adopting or adapting one of the seven identified archetypes, prioritizing waste recovery and bio-innovation, and exploring the potential of service-based models.
Seven Archetypes for Circular Bioeconomy Business Models Identified
This research systematically identifies and describes seven distinct archetypes for business models specifically designed for a circular bioeconomy, offering a framework for innovation and implementation.
Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Seven distinct BMCBE archetypes were identified: Optimising resource efficiency and use; Establishing biorefineries; Value recovery from waste; Resource exchange; Innovation towards bio- and renewable resources; Valuing the local economy; and Service- and result-oriented value offers.
- 02The most recurrent practices observed were 'Value recovery from waste' and 'Innovation towards bio- and renewable resources'.
- 03Service- and result-oriented value offers are less explored and present opportunities for further development.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing for the bioeconomy, consider adopting or adapting one of the seven identified archetypes, prioritizing waste recovery and bio-innovation, and exploring the potential of service-based models.
How to apply
Use the seven identified archetypes as a checklist or inspiration when developing new business ventures or redesigning existing ones within the bioeconomy, focusing on circular principles.
Project actions
- 01When defining your project's business model, consider which of the seven archetypes best fits your concept.
- 02Research existing companies that exemplify these archetypes to understand their implementation.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Systematic approach combining literature and practice.
- +Provides a clear taxonomy of BMCBEs.
Limitations
The archetypes are broad; a specific design project might need to combine elements or adapt them significantly to fit unique contexts.
Reliability & validity
The systematic review and practice review methods enhance the reliability and validity of the identified archetypes. However, the subjective interpretation of organizational practices could introduce some bias.
Think critically
How might the 'Service- and result-oriented value offers' archetype be more effectively implemented in the bioeconomy, and what challenges need to be overcome?
Design Principles
"Structure circular bioeconomy strategies around established archetypes to foster innovation and efficient resource utilization."
Understanding these archetypes provides designers and businesses with a structured approach to developing circular strategies. It moves beyond general sustainability goals to offer concrete models for resource optimization, waste valorization, and the adoption of bio-based resources, fostering a more robust and implementable circular economy.
What This Means for Your Design
This study found seven main ways companies can make money while being good for the environment in the bioeconomy, like turning waste into new products or using plants instead of fossil fuels. The most common ways are dealing with waste and using new plant-based materials.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference these archetypes when discussing the business model or commercial viability of your design solution.
- 2.Use them to justify the strategic direction of your project within the circular bioeconomy.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The research by Salvador et al. (2023) identifies seven archetypes for business models in the circular bioeconomy, including 'Value recovery from waste' and 'Innovation towards bio- and renewable resources'. These archetypes provide a valuable framework for developing sustainable and commercially viable solutions within the bioeconomy, guiding designers to structure their strategies around resource efficiency and circular principles.
Source
Sustainable Production and Consumption
Overarching Business Models for a Circular Bioeconomy: Systematising archetypes
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about seven archetypes for circular bioeconomy business models identified?
- When designing for the bioeconomy, consider adopting or adapting one of the seven identified archetypes, prioritizing waste recovery and bio-innovation, and exploring the potential of service-based models. Evidence: Sustainable Production and Consumption (2023).
- Why does "Seven Archetypes for Circular Bioeconomy Business Models Identified" matter for design?
- Understanding these archetypes provides designers and businesses with a structured approach to developing circular strategies. It moves beyond general sustainability goals to offer concrete models for resource optimization, waste valorization, and the adoption of bio-based resources, fostering a more robust and implementable circular economy.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing for the bioeconomy, consider adopting or adapting one of the seven identified archetypes, prioritizing waste recovery and bio-innovation, and exploring the potential of service-based models.
- What were the main findings?
- Seven distinct BMCBE archetypes were identified: Optimising resource efficiency and use; Establishing biorefineries; Value recovery from waste; Resource exchange; Innovation towards bio- and renewable resources; Valuing the local economy; and Service- and result-oriented value offers.. The most recurrent practices observed were 'Value recovery from waste' and 'Innovation towards bio- and renewable resources'.. Service- and result-oriented value offers are less explored and present opportunities for further development.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review and Practice Review with 61 (29 papers + 32 organizations).
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Sustainable Production and Consumption.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Use the seven identified archetypes as a checklist or inspiration when developing new business ventures or redesigning existing ones within the bioeconomy, focusing on circular principles.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's findings on service- and result-oriented value offers are limited, suggesting further research is needed to understand their feasibility and benefits.