Regenerative Business Models

Research and practice show that we are depleting our planet both ecologically and socially. It is becoming increasingly clear that new economic models are necessary to reverse this trend. Within this framework, we conduct research into regenerative business models: business models that emphasize leaving the world in a better state than it is now. The research responds to the growing need to contribute to the restoration of the planet through entrepreneurship. 

Project Methodology 

The overarching question of this theme is: In what ways can entrepreneurs and companies contribute to regeneration? 

What characterizes a regenerative business model, what is concretely needed to achieve a regenerative business model, and what this exactly means in practice are research topics in this context. 

Entrepreneurs' questions include: 

• 'How do I demonstrate that my company is regenerative?' 

• 'How do we inspire others - in my chain but also beyond - to work regeneratively?' 

• 'Is this really different from other sustainable business models?' 

To be able to answer the overarching and underlying questions, more insight is first needed into the characteristics of regenerative business models, into lessons or practices that can be translated to other companies, and into aspects that can facilitate the transition to regenerative business models (for example, from policy). 

ACTIVITIES 

The research includes various activities and projects, in which we work closely with both experts and entrepreneurs from practice. We focus on gaining new insights and creating a network for sharing knowledge among ourselves. Examples of activities are: 

• Roundtable meetings 

• Delphi panel (knowledge and experience of experts are collected to arrive at a common definition), with a chat plate as output 

• Exploration of inspiring examples of regenerative businesses 

• In-depth case studies 

• Development of a framework for describing regenerative elements 

• Building a knowledge circle 

Team 

• Linda Drupsteen 

• Ingrid Wakkee 

• Claudia Cuypers 

• Iteke van Hille 

• Kasper Lange 

• Toon Maassen 

• Emiel van der Zwet 

• Inge Oskam 

Partners 

• Wilder Land 

• Bamboo Import 

• Europe Impact Hub 

The research is commissioned by the Centre for Economic Transformation (CET). 

Want to know more or participate? 

Our research results can be requested free of charge. 

• For companies: Contact us for questions about regenerative business operations, participation in knowledge sessions and round table discussions, or for coordinating an internship or graduation assignment. 

• For students: Contact us for opportunities for an internship or graduation assignment with the theme group. 

• For researchers from other knowledge institutions: Contact us for an exploration of opportunities for a joint research proposal, or for participation in knowledge sessions and round table discussions.