Fintech and SMEs sustainable business models: Reflections and considerations for a circular economy. (25th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pizzi, Simone; Corbo, Leonardo; Caputo, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 281(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-25
• Subjects: Sustainable business model -- Business model canvas -- Circular economy -- Fintech -- ReSOLVE; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Following the operational paradigms proposed by Industry 4.0, the last years have been characterized by the rapid growth of technology-based firms increasingly adopting sustainable business models. In particular, an increasing number of Fintech enterprises have started to launch new services in order to avoid the organizational barriers that impact negatively on the voluntary adoption of sustainable business models by SMEs. However, research is still scarce in systematizing the efforts and identifying the facilitating factors for such a transition. Drawing on a diverse set of companies, case studies linking Fintech application and circular economy (CE) in diverse industries and contexts are analyzed and discussed. The findings of the qualitative analysis suggest that Fintech, an example of sectors developed under the influence of Industry 4.0, can play a relevant role in the transition of SMEs toward a more sustainable business model leading to better integration of circular economy practices. A conceptual framework using the ReSOLVE model is then presented with relevant implications for both research and practice. Graphical abstract: This paper investigates the role of Fintech as a facilitator to the transition toward sustainable business models for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the lens of the sustainable business model canvas. Drawing on a diverse set of companies, case studies linking Fintech application and circular economy in diverse industries and contexts are analyzed and discussed. The paper suggests that Fintech, an example of sectors developed under the influence of Industry 4.0, can play a relevant role in the transition of SMEs toward a more sustainable business model. The results of the study are used to develop a sustainable business model canvas that takes into account the role of Fintech in the circular economy. Image 1 Highlights: The paper discusses the enabling role covered by Fintech on sustainable development. A sustainable business model canvas for small and medium enterprises was developed. Case studies linking Fintech and the circular economy were analyzed and discussed. A critical reflection on how Fintech can advance the realization of a circular economy was presented.