Business Models Amid Changes in Regulation and Environment: The Case of Finland–Russia

Oskari Lähdeaho and Olli-Pekka Hilmola
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Oskari Lähdeaho: Industrial Engineering and Management, LUT Kouvola, LUT University, Prikaatintie 9, FIN-45100 Kouvola, Finland
Olli-Pekka Hilmola: Industrial Engineering and Management, LUT Kouvola, LUT University, Prikaatintie 9, FIN-45100 Kouvola, Finland

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: Changes in regulation are affecting the international business environment. In this study the impact of regulation changes and ways to benefit from those in Finland and Russia are examined. Logistics and manufacturing companies are studied using the case study approach including ten semi-structured interviews (Finland and Russia) and a survey (Southeast Finland), further supported by an additional survey for logistics sector companies (Southeast Finland). The changes in the business environment have created a fragmented market with a growing number of actors. Three business models (blockchain-based, platform-based and innovative subcontracting-based), capitalizing on the growing number of actors, were incepted in the interview phase and evaluated in the survey phase with companies. These models are integrable with the circular economy, a relevant practice according to the studied companies. Blockchain was perceived as a still immature technology. Further study revealed that the companies are not well prepared for environmental demands in logistics, and the overall volumes and business climate between the analyzed countries have not improved. Additionally, those companies do not actively pursue the possibilities of new technologies. The impact of regulatory changes in this region has not been examined closely with a case study approach. This study helps to explain the current trends in an established market.

Keywords: business models; regulation; logistics; supply chains; Finland; Russia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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