Identification of sustainable business model innovation tools and frameworks in the hydrogen context that are suitable for steel, cement, and chemical companies in Germany

Hannes Kolasch

Master's thesis

Abstract:

In the decarbonization of the steel, cement, and chemical industry in Germany, green hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role. The utilization of green hydrogen in the production processes of said industries requires organizations to modify their business model, requiring sustainable business model innovation (SBMI). Numerous tools and frameworks that support organizations in the process of SBMI have been proposed in the literature in recent years. However, the applicability of these tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies that intend to utilize green hydrogen to produce their goods remains unexplored. By conducting a systematic literature review on tools and frameworks for SBMI, a literature and practice review to identify and analyze existing green hydrogen projects of steel, cement, and chemical companies, and evaluation the identified tools and frameworks in an evaluation matrix, this thesis aims to assess the suitability of SBMI tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies that plan to use green hydrogen to produce their goods. Based on the evaluation, the Cambridge Business Model Innovation Process (CBMIP) was identified as the most suitable SBMI framework.

Abstract:

In the decarbonization of the steel, cement, and chemical industry in Germany, green hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role. The utilization of green hydrogen in the production processes of said industries requires organizations to modify their business model, requiring sustainable business model innovation (SBMI). Numerous tools and frameworks that support organizations in the process of SBMI have been proposed in the literature in recent years. However, the applicability of these tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies that intend to utilize green hydrogen to produce their goods remains unexplored. By conducting a systematic literature review on tools and frameworks for SBMI, a literature and practice review to identify and analyze existing green hydrogen projects of steel, cement, and chemical companies, and evaluation the identified tools and frameworks in an evaluation matrix, this thesis aims to assess the suitability of SBMI tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies that plan to use green hydrogen to produce their goods. Based on the evaluation, the Cambridge Business Model Innovation Process (CBMIP) was identified as the most suitable SBMI framework.

Keywords

green hydrogen application, energy-intensive industries, sustainable business model innovation, sustainable business model innovation tools and frameworks

Keywords

green hydrogen application, energy-intensive industries, sustainable business model innovation, sustainable business model innovation tools and frameworks

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 14. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 6. 6. 2023
• Supervisor: Ladislav Tyll
• Reader: Natálie Badie

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme:
International Management