Crowdfunding of Climate Mitigation Measures in Agriculture: Developing a Sustainable Business Model Concept

Authors

  • Pia Piroschka Otte Institute for Rural and Regional Research
  • Natalia Maehle Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54337/jbm.v12i2.8843

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to develop a sustainable business model (SBM) concept for local crowdfunding of climate measures in agriculture. Many climate measures entail significant capital costs preventing farmers from their adoption, and existing finance schemes have experienced limited success. Crowdfunding can be a novel financing tool for farmers to implement climate measures in agriculture.

Design/Methodology/Approach: We apply the adapted SBM canvas framework and argue that the framework presents a suitable tool for identifying and validating business models for a local crowdfunding program.

Findings: By applying the adapted SBM canvas tool and through an extensive mixed method approach, the study identifies 6 relevant design principles for SBM development and relates them to different dimensions in the SBM canvas.

Practical Implications: The study develops a proven business model concept that can be implemented by practitioners and farmers to facilitate the adoption of climate change mitigation measures, overall contributing to the transition to a low emission society.

Originality/Value: This study demonstrates the existing limitations of the adapted SBM canvas and suggests how it can be improved by integrating external structural constraints that can be a barrier to business model development. Moreover, we contribute to the SBM literature by being the first to connect Design Science with crowdfunding and the adapted SBM canvas.

Author Biographies

Pia Piroschka Otte, Institute for Rural and Regional Research

Pia Piroschka Otte is a senior researcher at Ruralis – Institute for Rural and Regional Research. She holds a PhD from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her work focuses on social science research addressing crowdfunding of climate measures in agriculture, energy transitions, and social acceptance of new technologies.

Natalia Maehle, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Natalia Maehle is a Professor at the Mohn Centre for Innovation and Regional Development, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL). She holds a PhD from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). Prof. Maehle is doing teaching and research in the field of digital innovation, sustainability, crowdfunding, and marketing. She has an excellent track record of publications in the highly-ranked international peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Marketing, Journal of Cleaner Production, European Journal of Marketing, British Food Journal, European Planning Studies, Baltic Journal of Management, International Journal of Market Research and Journal of Consumer Behaviour.

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27-08-2024

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