STAKEHOLDER INTEGRATION IN SUSTAINABILITY-ORIENTED INNOVATION: AN APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL IN SME WITHIN THE UK

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Published: 2025-12-30
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46281/ijsmes.v8i1.2693
Keywords:
Sustainability-Oriented Innovation, Stakeholder Integration, Value Creation, Sustainable Business Model, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Main Article Content

Mahmuda Begum
Senior Lecturer, London School of Science and Technology, De Montfort University, UK
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5381-3515
Mohammad Fakhrul Islam
Lecturer, London School of Science and Technology, Buckinghamshire University, UK
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9428-0022
Ishtiaque Mahmood
Lecturer, London School of Science and Technology, Buckinghamshire University, UK
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7418-6327
Olusola Sam-Sorungbe
Senior Lecturer, London School of Science and Technology, Buckinghamshire University, UK
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6572-1034

Abstract

The sustainable business model (SBM) in the circular economy is significant to create business value and sustainability for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, it has still received limited scholarly attention, particularly, a potential gap within the context of food and beverage SMEs in the UK. Stakeholder integration may be an essential element of SBM, playing a vital role in sustainable value creation. However, research on stakeholder integration has been fragmented and not comprehensively examined. The study examines stakeholder integration strategies in sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) and value creation for the SBM within food and beverage SMEs in the UK. The purpose of this research is to empirically investigate how external and internal forces, and stakeholder integration, affect SOI and value creation. The study employs a qualitative case study to explore the research questions, with 30 participants from 30 food and beverage SMEs involved in sustainable practices. Data are collected through in-depth interviews, with field notes and documents. The results show that 3 contextual factors, including internal constraints, internal facilitators, and external forces, influence SOI for the SBM. The significant findings indicate that stakeholder integration not only influences SOI but also is relevant to value creation. This study developed a conceptual framework that led to a theory usable in the research context. The findings of this study suggest that practitioners and SME managers will better understand the SBM process, thereby shaping a more holistic approach to SBM.


JEL Classification Codes: L26, M14, Q55.

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Article Details

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): January-December

Section

Research Paper/Theoretical Paper/Review Paper/Short Communication Paper
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Mahmuda Begum, Senior Lecturer, London School of Science and Technology, De Montfort University, UK

Mahmuda Begum is a Senior Lecturer at the London School of Science and Technology, in partnership with De Montfort University, United Kingdom. She is engaged in teaching and academic leadership within higher education, with a focus on applied learning and student development. Her role includes contributing to curriculum design, academic delivery, and the overall quality of teaching and learning at the institution.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam , Lecturer, London School of Science and Technology, Buckinghamshire University, UK

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam is a Lecturer at the London School of Science and Technology in collaboration with Buckinghamshire University, United Kingdom. He is involved in teaching and academic development in higher education, with interests in applied, professionally focused learning. In his role, he contributes to curriculum delivery, student development, and the institution's academic mission.

Ishtiaque Mahmood , Lecturer, London School of Science and Technology, Buckinghamshire University, UK

Ishtiaque Mahmood is a Lecturer at the London School of Science and Technology, affiliated with Buckinghamshire University, United Kingdom. He specializes in higher education teaching and academic development, focusing on applied learning and professional skills. In his role, he contributes to curriculum delivery, student support, and the enhancement of academic programs at the institution.

Olusola Sam-Sorungbe , Senior Lecturer, London School of Science and Technology, Buckinghamshire University, UK

Olusola Sam-Sorungbe is a Senior Lecturer at the London School of Science and Technology, affiliated with Buckinghamshire University, United Kingdom. He is involved in higher education teaching and academic leadership, with a focus on applied learning, research, and professional development. His work includes curriculum design, student mentoring, and contributing to the academic growth of the institution.

How to Cite

Begum, M., Islam , M. F. ., Mahmood , I. ., & Sam-Sorungbe , O. . (2025). STAKEHOLDER INTEGRATION IN SUSTAINABILITY-ORIENTED INNOVATION: AN APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL IN SME WITHIN THE UK. International Journal of Small and Medium Enterprises, 8(1), 42-50. https://doi.org/10.46281/ijsmes.v8i1.2693

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