A framework for sustainable business model innovation

The Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology News Desk of the University of Tehran:

An interview with Dr. Mohammad Hossein Forouzanfar, a graduate of the Entrepreneurship Faculty at the University of Tehran, has been scheduled to commemorate his doctoral thesis being recognized as the outstanding thesis at the 34th Research and Technology Festival of the University of Tehran.

Scientific contributions of the dissertation

My doctoral dissertation, entitled "Innovation Framework for Sustainable Business Models in Sharing Economy-Based Businesses," has been acknowledged and selected at the 34th Research and Technology Festival of the University of Tehran. This dissertation's significant contributions comprise five research works, including two articles published in JCR journals within the Q1 and Q2 quartiles, two articles in scientific research quarterly journals classified as A by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, and one article presented at an international conference. These accomplishments illustrate the substantial scientific and practical potential of the study issue and its importance within the nation's scientific and administrative framework.

I extend my profound gratitude to my esteemed advisors, Dr. Narges Imani-Pour and Dr. Seyed Mojtaba Sajadi, along with my respected consulting professor, Dr. Mohammad Reza Habibi, for their pivotal contributions to the development, guidance, and successful completion of this thesis through their expertise, commitment, scholarly collaboration, and invaluable support.

The notion of innovation inside the business model

This thesis focuses on the analysis and development of a framework for innovation in sustainable business models within the sharing economy. "Business model innovation" refers to any enhancement in the elements of a business model that can result in growth, development, and the enhancement of business performance across various dimensions and sectors.

Innovation extends beyond products or services; it can also be reflected in value creation and delivery, income generation, stakeholder engagement, and the operational and communication frameworks of the enterprise. This viewpoint is especially significant in enterprises rooted in the sharing economy.

Sustainability encompasses three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental.

This thesis employs modern global models and the underlying theory of "sustainability transition " to establish a scientific and practical framework. This research defines sustainability through three core dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. The objective was to illustrate how enterprises engaged in the sharing economy may attain profitability and economic expansion through innovative business models, while concurrently upholding social responsibility and generating beneficial environmental effects.

Analysis of successful Iranian case studies

The results of this research can be highly illuminating for enterprises functioning within the sharing economy, particularly in the social and environmental domains. The sharing economy, by optimizing resource utilization, prioritizing access over ownership, and enhancing efficiency in existing capacity, has created an ideal foundation for the emergence of creative business models. This study also analyzed successful Iranian examples, including Snapp, Tap30, bike-sharing systems, shared cloud services, and other enterprises rooted in the sharing economy. The analysis of these instances demonstrated that when business model innovation incorporates sustainability factors, it can facilitate the generation of enhanced value for society, the environment, and the economy.

Communication to academic institutions and research organizations

This research conveys a significant message regarding scientific and academic policy-making. Universities and research institutions can significantly contribute to the advancement of sharing economy enterprises by strategically guiding student theses and dissertations. If university research aims to tackle the genuine challenges faced by society and businesses, the institution will transcend its role as a mere knowledge producer and evolve into a catalyst for economic and social development. The relationship among institutions, research, and the entrepreneurial environment is, in my view, essential for the nation's future advancement.

Advice to students: Aspiration, ambition, and effort.

I offer a sincere recommendation to all esteemed students: Envision your goals, formulate aspirations, and exert maximum effort to realize your ambitions.

At the outset of my academic career, while selecting my thesis topic, I perused articles in a distinguished journal (Journal of Cleaner Production) and had a desire to eventually write an article in such a respectable publication. Fortunately, the aspiration that had perpetually resided in my thoughts and heart materialized through the mercy of the Almighty, the support of distinguished educators, and relentless labor. Consequently, I assert that significant aspirations, when coupled with diligence, tenacity, and faith, will be attainable.

I advise esteemed students to incorporate fitness into their life plans during the arduous and protracted process of thesis and dissertation preparation. Exercise can function as a potent catalyst, enhancing persons both physically and psychologically while augmenting the requisite stamina to persevere through this arduous academic endeavor. Exercise offers significant benefits such as vitality, concentration, mental serenity, and resilience in the context of research and study.

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