Decoding the Twin Transformation in B2B Firms – A Taxonomy of Digital and Sustainable Business Model Approaches

The megatrends of sustainability and digitalization are influencing everyday business life. The synergy of both results in the so-called twin transformation. Firms are decisive both in the sustainable design of digital technologies and in the digital achievement of sustainability goals. Therefore, this paper focuses on the classification of twin transformation approaches. In particular, the question is examined as to which approaches are used in business models of B2B firms. For this aim, a taxonomy is developed that enables the systematic analysis of existing conceptual and empirical approaches along the business model. The final taxonomy comprises 23 characteristics in seven dimensions and three meta-characteristics (value proposition, value creation and delivery, and value capture). The results of the taxonomy can be expanded and validated in future research by conducting an interview study with firms to discover dependencies among twin transformation practices.