CONCEPT OF A SUSTAINABLE DIGITAL BUSINESS MODEL FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR
Abstract
Achieving sustainable development goals requires the broad implementation of circular economy (CE) practices in business. Modern digital technologies have significant potential to support this process by enabling the effective implementation of circular strategies through the transformation of existing business models. This, in turn, necessitates research into the nature and content of such transformations. The purpose of this study is to develop a generalised concept of a business model for a manufacturing enterprise, based primarily on the use of digital technologies to apply the core principles of the circular economy and contribute to sustainable development goals. The research methodology involves identifying the most relevant publications from the Scopus database (since 2015) that integrate circular business models and digital technologies, followed by a qualitative analysis. This analysis focused on identifying specific forms of business process transformation, key life cycle stages for implementing CE practices, and the main digital tools enabling such transformation. Based on the findings, a generalised concept of a Sustainable Digital Business Model (SDBM) for a manufacturing enterprise was developed. It integrates the classical elements of a business model (value creation, delivery, and capture) with life cycle phases and the application of circular economy principles through digital tools. The study demonstrates that digital tools within the SDBM framework are applied at all stages of the production–consumption cycle to increase process transparency and efficiency, generate informational, service, and resource value, and ensure sustainable synergy among all stakeholders. The concept of an SDBM functions as a systemic framework that facilitates the simultaneous use of digital solutions to close material loops, foster new forms of user interaction, transform business processes, and advance sustainable development goals. This concept can be adapted across various sectors of the economy and serve as a foundation for the development and implementation of practical business solutions.
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