Sustainable business model archetypes in the software industry : Towards a conceptual framework on how software companies can develop a sustainable business model

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual framework and research agenda for the development of sustainable business models for companies in the software industry. Methodology – The study was implemented by using primary and secondary data in the methodology. The primary data entailed a qualitative approach where in-depth interviews with five software companies was conducted. The secondary data included a literature review of relevant topics and grey literature from the interviewed companies. Findings – This study proposes a modified set of sustainable business model archetypes for the software industry. The software-specific archetypes are Maximize energy efficiency with renewables and natural processes, Create value from waste, Deliver software as a service, Adopt a stewardship role, Encourage sustainability, Repurpose for the society/environment and Develop scale up solutions. Implications – The revised set of archetypes have been developed in order to set a theoretical framework that can be practiced by software companies to develop their sustainability work. Therefore, this study provides practitioners with a streamlined framework to develop clear sustainable guidelines, activities, principles and goals towards a sustainable business model. Originality / value – This study proposes a conceptual framework on how software companies can develop a sustainable business model with a practical and theoretical foundation. The study proposes a research approach that has not been conducted in the software industry before, using the eight archetypes as an analysis tool. The suggested framework of this study therefore presents unique industry-specific archetypes for the software industry, created by the authors of this study.