Identifying Systemic Leverage Points for Effective Sustainable Business Model Development

Purpose: This paper aims to apply a systems thinking perspective, specifically the system leverage point framework, to enhance the understanding for the effectiveness of sustainable business models in achieving systems change towards sustainability. Design/Methodology/Approach: Conceptual paper, using an integrative research approach. Findings: The conceptual analysis shows that the sustainable business model archetypes largely target shallow system leverage points, which are unlikely to achieve wide-ranging systems change. Therefore, a research agenda is developed around the deep leverage points for system change, to guide future research efforts in developing truly sustainable business models. Practical Implications: The findings offer insights for both managers and policymakers on the effectiveness of different types of sustainable business models and how they can be improved to drive broader systems change. Research Implications: The research agenda put forward focuses on the systemic root-causes of unsustainability and can guide scholarly efforts toward adopting a broader systems perspective on sustainable business model development as a potential solution. Originality/Value: This paper provides insights into the ability of sustainable business models to generate sustainability outcomes through systems change, serving as a stepping stone for more effective sustainable business model development efforts.