Sustainable Business Model Implementation in Polish Enterprises

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable business models. Through their development, companies can increase their presence in the global market, contributing to a more responsible use of its resources. Sustainable business model development plays a significant role in motivating companies to innovate towards sustainability and is a powerful driver of market competitiveness. This article aims to present the concepts and elements of sustainable business models in the context of literature research and to analyze their implementation in Polish companies by defining the scope of activities for the economy, environment, and society. The research included a comparative analysis of the academic literature on sustainable business models and an analysis of empirical research conducted on a nationwide sample of 231 Polish small, medium, and large enterprises operating across the country. A diagnostic survey method using a survey questionnaire was used. They were most concerned with the ‘green economy’ area, followed by the social area and those related to staff personal development. Companies of different sizes have integrated the dimensions of TBL differently, depending on their perception and interpretation of economic, social, and environmental activities. This integration level determines the strategies that companies adopt, appropriate to the objectives set and the resources available.