How Can Intermediaries Promote Business Model Innovation: The Case of ‘Energiesprong’ Whole-House Retrofits in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands

37 Pages Posted: 23 Oct 2018

See all articles by Donal Brown

Donal Brown

University of Leeds - Sustainability Research Institute in the School of Earth & Environment

Paula Kivimaa

SPRU, University of Sussex; Government of the Republic of Finland - Finnish Environment Institute

Steven Robert Sorrell

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

Date Written: October 2018

Abstract

Business model innovation is increasingly important for the diffusion of sustainable innovations - particularly those that are systemic in nature. In this paper we outline how systemic innovations, such as whole-house energy ‘retrofit’, may require new business models before they gain widespread adoption. Through a series of semi-structured interviews and document analysis, we undertake a case study of the ‘Energiesprong’ retrofit business model - contrasting this with the incumbent ‘atomised’ market model. We highlight the central role of an innovation intermediary - the Energiesprong ‘market development team’, in this business model innovation, and how Dutch policymakers sought to promote business model innovation through creation of this intermediary. In doing so we develop a novel framework - combining the components of business models with the functions of intermediaries to illustrate this case. Finally, the paper suggests this case and framework could provide lessons for how intermediaries and in turn policymakers might foster business model innovation in other sectors.

Keywords: Business models, Energy efficiency retrofit, Systemic innovation, Business model innovation, Intermediaries, Innovation policy

Suggested Citation

Brown, Donal and Kivimaa, Paula and Sorrell, Steven Robert, How Can Intermediaries Promote Business Model Innovation: The Case of ‘Energiesprong’ Whole-House Retrofits in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands (October 2018). SWPS 2018-19, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3270880 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3270880

Donal Brown (Contact Author)

University of Leeds - Sustainability Research Institute in the School of Earth & Environment ( email )

Leeds, LS2 9JT
United Kingdom
07977201189 (Phone)

Paula Kivimaa

SPRU, University of Sussex ( email )

Falmer, Brighton BN1 9SL
United Kingdom

Government of the Republic of Finland - Finnish Environment Institute ( email )

00260 Helsinki
Finland

Steven Robert Sorrell

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU) ( email )

Mantell Building
Falmer
Brighton BN1 9RH UK, Sussex
United Kingdom

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