[AISWorld] Call for Papers - Deadline Reminder

[Electronic Markets]

Electronic Markets - The International Journal
on Networked Business

Call for Papers

Sustainability in business models in the network economy

 

Guest Editors

* Marek Jabłoński, WSB University in Poznań, Faculty in Chorzów, Poland,
marek.jablonski at ottima-plus.com.pl

* Paul Timmers, Oxford University visiting fellow, advisor on technology,
policy, economy & society, Belgium, paultimmers at gmail.com

* Joseph Sarkis, Foisie Business School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute,
USA, jsarkis at wpi.edu

 

Theme

The network economy is shaping many new business models. The dynamic
development of networking is influenced by the fast-paced evolution, some
might say revolution, of digital technologies. These digital technologies
have also generated innovative business models. In recent years,
digitally-enabled business models are being designed in the context of
institutional and social change posed by the circular economy and the
sharing economy. A key issue for digital business model design in this
dynamic socio-economic and ecological environment is achieving
sustainability. 

 

In theory and practice, at least three approaches to sustainability may be
distinguished. 

 

1.     First is the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). TBL is often used by
organizations who create a sustainability strategy using stakeholder
analysis, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, and seeking
win-win-win opportunities. Their business model seeks a balance of
ecological, social and economic factors. TBL can be a differentiator
providing a competitive advantage for companies. For example, organizations
can build a business case by including ecologically friendly products in
their product portfolios, undertaking activities for positive impact on
environmental protection, and striking a balance amongst stakeholder
interests. The business case can be seen by also improving image and
reputation of organizations. The circular economy is a policy adopted by
many countries throughout the world, seeking to balance sustainability at a
broader regional and national level. The circular economy is a driver for
innovation in the areas of material-, component- and product reuse, as well
as for new business models to provide solutions and services. In a circular
economy, waste is 'food' and can be utilized in creative ways meaning there
are significant opportunities for new business and social entrepreneurship.

2.    The second approach is based on assumptions of business model for
sustainability. In this holistic approach 'no sustainable value can be
created for customers without creating value to a broader range of
stakeholders'. This also includes a management approach which aims at
achieving success in a fair manner for employees. This topic is widely
developed in the literature; and focuses strongly on the social dimensions
of sustainability.

3.    The third approach addresses the specific aspect of economic
sustainability in combination with the emerging shared economy business
models that are enabled by a networked economy. Very important for the
sustained continuity of these business models is to consider issues such as
social, ecological, and labor rules, which may be captured in legal
requirements but also in social norms and values. The concept of the shared
economy is more prevalent due to the networked society and the "internet of
things". The sharing economy is a socio-economic ecosystem built around the
sharing of human, physical and intellectual resources. It includes the
shared creation, production, distribution, trade and consumption of goods
and services by different people and organizations. 

    

Sustainability for building competitive advantage is an ethical approach for
building markets, supporting innovative solutions that have a positive
impact on society, creating social value and social profit. Essentially it
relates to the mantra of 'doing well, by doing good'. 

 

The subject of this special issue is then to analyze how to incorporate
sustainability into business and e-business models. A basic question is
whether this integration will allow companies to gain competitive advantage
in a just way while helping organizations thrive. Part of this long-term
competitive perspective includes increase organizational market valuations
and creation of strong brands. In modern business models, classical
economics provides only a partial answer; with the emergence of the sharing
economy and the circular economy, these classical non-cooperative
rent-seeking economic pressures will need to be reconsidered.

 

Central issues and themes

Possible topics of submissions include, but are not limited to:

 

*       Features of 'sustainability' in business models and companies in the
networked economy.

*       Rules and business models for incorporating the concept of
sustainability into circular and sharing economies.  

*       Connections between agility, flexibility, scalability and
sustainability of e-business models.

*       Green and sustainable supply chains and their relationships to
business model innovation and reinvention.

*       Business trends like open data, open government, digital platforms,
electronic markets, social media, the internet of things, blockchain
technology, and Industry 4.0, and their influence on supply chain
sustainability and sustainable business models.

*       Broader social, governmental, stakeholder sustainability trends such
as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their relationship
to the networked economy.

 

We encourage contributions with a broad range of methodological approaches,
including conceptual, qualitative and quantitative research. All papers
should fit the scope of Electronic Markets (for more information see
<http://www.electronicmarkets.org/about-em/scope/>
http://www.electronicmarkets.org/about-em/scope/) and will undergo a
double-blind peer review process. If you would like to discuss any aspect of
the special issue, please contact the guest editors.

 

Submission

Electronic Markets is a SSCI-listed journal (IF 1.864) and requires that all
papers must be original and not published or under review elsewhere. Papers
must be submitted via our electronic submission system at
<http://elma.edmgr.com> http://elma.edmgr.com and conform to Electronic
Markets publication standards (see instructions and templates at
<http://www.electronicmarkets.org/authors>
http://www.electronicmarkets.org/authors). Please note that the preferred
article length is around. 6,500 to 8,000 words.

Important deadline

* Submission Deadline: April 30, 2018

 

Best regards,

Rainer Alt and Hans-Dieter Zimmermann

Editors-in-Chief
Electronic Markets - The International Journal on Networked Business

 

c/o Information Systems Institute
Leipzig University
Grimmaische Str. 12, 
04109 Leipzig, Germany

 

 <http://www.electronicmarkets.org/> http://www.electronicmarkets.org/

 <https://twitter.com/journal_EM> https://twitter.com/journal_EM

 <https://www.facebook.com/ElectronicMarkets>
https://www.facebook.com/ElectronicMarkets

Journal Impact Factor: 1.864