Title: Business models as framework for sustainable value-creation: strategic and operative leadership challenges

Authors: Åge Svein Gjøsæter; Øyvin Kyvik; Jon Gunnar Nesse; Torbjørn Årethun

Addresses: Faculty of Business Administration and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Post Box 7030, 5020 Bergen, Norway ' Faculty of Business Administration and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Post Box 7030, 5020 Bergen, Norway ' Faculty of Business Administration and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Post Box 7030, 5020 Bergen, Norway ' Faculty of Business Administration and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Post Box 7030, 5020 Bergen, Norway

Abstract: This study explores leadership challenges related to the operationalisation of sustainable business models in offshore shipping. Based on a comparative case study, the study finds that the business model framework and the business model canvas' building blocks must be adapted and adjusted to the resources and capabilities of the firm and its strategic and industrial context and operation. Another crucial finding is that the processes and relationships between the business model's building blocks - the day-to-day actions and activities in developing, implementing and gradually revising and auditing a chosen business model - are strongly leadership and management intensive. By giving an example of sustainable value-creation, the study contributes to the state-of-the-art of corporate sustainability management and development by illustrating how new business models can be pursued in the maritime shipping industry.

Keywords: business models; business model canvas; sustainability; value-creation; leadership; strategising; innovation; maritime shipping industry; Norway.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2021.111549

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2021 Vol.15 No.1, pp.50 - 74

Received: 08 Aug 2018
Accepted: 19 May 2019
Published online: 01 Dec 2020 *

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