Course description
The primary goal of this course is twofold. Firstly, to elucidate several fundamental concepts essential for navigating the Sustainability Crisis. Secondly, to establish a connection between these concepts and the realm of Business Model Innovation. Key principles such as Complexity, Systems Thinking, Organizational-Ecosystem Embeddedness, and Regeneration will serve as the foundational elements for constructing a new lexicon of sustainability. Subsequently, building upon the overarching concept of Innovation for Sustainability, the course will delve deeply and practically into the process of innovating a Business Model, particularly emphasizing the perspective of Holistic Value. Additionally, students will develop the ability to critically analyze processes of Unsustainable Decision-Making and Business Practices.
At the outset, students will delve into the true essence of Sustainability, conceptualizing it as the pursuit of Dynamic Equilibrium at the systemic level. In this phase, they will gain insights into Systemic Views, Wicked Problems, Complexity, Design Thinking, Agility, Paradoxes, Life Cycle Thinking, and Integrated Thinking. Following this, the course will pivot towards a Business Perspective, examining various types of responses implemented by businesses through concrete examples. Students will explore in-depth Regenerative Business Strategies and the Social- Ecological Systems Perspective. Throughout the duration of the course, the concept of Business Models will be thoroughly examined, alongside tools such as the Business Model Canvas and its Social, Sustainable, and Regenerative versions. Engaging in Project-Based Activities, students will learn how to innovate a Business Model to generate Sustainable Value. Students will apply the Design Thinking approach and utilize a variety of tools, including Context Maps, Value Proposition Canvas, Bold Steps Vision Canvas, Material Flow Perspectives, Value Networks, and Partnership Canvas. At the end of the course, students will present and discuss their Innovative Business Ideas, elucidating the anticipated impact at the systemic level.

Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students:
1) should demonstrate knowledge and understanding in sustainability and business model innovation
2) could apply their knowledge and understanding in different types of organizations in particular concerning how to use design thinking to develop sustainable innovations
3) should have the ability to navigate through complex issues as sustainability also using different approaches and tools
4) could communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
5) should have developed those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake more advanced courses or further study with a high degree of autonomy.

Teaching methods
The course includes a variety of teaching methods: from traditional lectures and seminars to cooperative learning, case-based learning, project-based learning and discussions.

Evaluation methods
10 % participation during seminars (debate, analysis of the documents, etc.)
50% Project-Based Activity (Group Work activity)
40 % Business case analysis (Individual activity)

Bibliography
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Last updated: January 29, 2025