When Is an Innovative Urban Mobility Business Model Sustainable? A Literature Review and Analysis

Abstract

Although researchers have increasingly examined how business models promote sustainable urban mobility through innovation, the literature has focused less attention on what constitutes a sustainable and innovative business model in the context of urban mobility. To fill this research gap, this article aims to answer the following research question: what elements characterize sustainable and innovative business models in the field of urban mobility? To identify whether and to what extent the existing intersection between business models and sustainable urban mobility literature contributes to the development of this concept, a systematic review and analysis of the literature was conducted. The results indicate that the following aspects contribute to the sustainability of an urban mobility business model: favoring the use of clean energy; maximizing the use of transport resources and capabilities; encouraging substitution using sustainable modes; offering service orientation and functionality; articulating initiatives that address the needs of a wide range of stakeholders in transport systems; reducing travel demands; extending benefits to society and the environment in a systemic perspective; and developing scale-up mobility solutions.