Clustering Business Models of Heterogeneous Nature-Based Solutions Implementing Innovative Governance and Financing Concepts

Simon Stork, Bernd Pölling (), Wolf Lorleberg, Rolf Morgenstern and Jan-Henning Feil
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Simon Stork: Department of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, 59494 Soest, Germany
Bernd Pölling: Department of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, 59494 Soest, Germany
Wolf Lorleberg: Department of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, 59494 Soest, Germany
Rolf Morgenstern: Department of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, 59494 Soest, Germany
Jan-Henning Feil: Department of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, 59494 Soest, Germany

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 12, 1-22

Abstract: Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are considered sustainable, cost-efficient, and resource-efficient land-use management approaches. When analysing NBS business models, two major challenges are commonly identified as slowing down broader NBS implementation: governance and financing barriers. This explorative study aims first to test the applicability of a NBS specific business model template and, second, to provide a clustered NBS business model pilot case study collection, which enables transferable solutions for overcoming the typical implementation challenges to be derived. Methodically, this is achieved by using the Nature-based Sustainability Business Model Canvas (NB S BMC for guided interviews. Twenty-three NBS case studies from proGIreg’s four Front Runner Cities, namely Dortmund, Ningbo, Turin, and Zagreb, are examined. Pestoff’s welfare triangle enables the NBS business models to be clustered. The main business model clusters are public provision, sales, and diversified. NBSs’ governance models are very adaptable to individual NBS cases, of the independent type, and can include a huge diversity of involved stakeholders regarding their functions in the NBS implementation. Our findings highlight adaptable governance models across diverse stakeholder functions and confirm the NB S BMC as a robust framework for understanding NBS business models. These insights extend to land-use practices beyond NBSs, offering a template for innovative urban planning strategies.

Keywords: nature-based solutions; urban renewal; sustainable urbanisation; business model innovation; green entrepreneurship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:12:p:2116-:d:1290101

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