How to Transform Resource‐Intensive Industries Toward Regenerative Business Models: A Design Science Study

ABSTRACT Firms continue to rely on unsustainable practices and linear business models that push planetary boundaries to their limits. While the concept of the regenerative business model (RBM) has emerged to restore and enhance social–ecological systems, it remains conceptual and requires guidance on how to transform existing business models to prioritize planetary health and societal well‐being. This study aims to develop a practical approach for firms to transform existing business models toward regeneration. Using a Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM), we designed and evaluated a three‐step process template supported by transformative questions based on six design requirements (DRs) that guide a RBM transformation. Our findings show that regenerative transformation unfolds through three interconnected phases: re‐grounding, re‐wiring, and re‐seizing business models. We advance theory by identifying the mechanisms of regenerative transformation, inform practice by offering a structured and actionable process, and contribute methodologically by demonstrating how design science can generate design knowledge for regeneration.

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Publication Details

Journal
Business Strategy and the Environment
Published
2026-01-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.70502
Primary Topic
Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

How to Transform Resource‐Intensive Industries Toward Regenerative Business Models: A Design Science Study

Jill Kickul, Konstantin Remke, Yacine Cherraoui, Jan‐Friedrich Kulp
Business Strategy and the Environment
Sustainable Supply Chain Management
article

How to Transform Resource‐Intensive Industries Toward Regenerative Business Models: A Design Science Study

Jill Kickul, Konstantin Remke, Yacine Cherraoui, Jan‐Friedrich Kulp
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Firms continue to rely on unsustainable practices and linear business models that push planetary boundaries to their limits. While the concept of the regenerative business model (RBM) has emerged to restore and enhance social–ecological systems, it remains conceptual and requires guidance on how to transform existing business models to prioritize planetary health and societal well‐being. This study aims to develop a practical approach for firms to transform existing business models toward regeneration. Using a Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM), we designed and evaluated a three‐step process template supported by transformative questions based on six design requirements (DRs) that guide a RBM transformation. Our findings show that regenerative transformation unfolds through three interconnected phases: re‐grounding, re‐wiring, and re‐seizing business models. We advance theory by identifying the mechanisms of regenerative transformation, inform practice by offering a structured and actionable process, and contribute methodologically by demonstrating how design science can generate design knowledge for regeneration.

Business Strategy and the Environment
EM Normandie Business School (FR), Métis-Lab (FR), ESCP Business School (DE), Tecnológico de Monterrey (MX)
Openalex Percentile: Top 95%
Sustainable Supply Chain Management
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