TY - JOUR
T1 - B2B sustainable ecosystems as support the “three-legged stool” in emerging countries
T2 - SMEs’ stakeholder relations in Ardakan (Iran)
AU - Nevi, Giulia
AU - Basile, Gianpaolo
AU - Kaufmann, Hans Rüdiger
AU - Fotouhi Ardakani, Mohammad
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Purpose: In the context of triple-bottom-line dynamics, societal components grapple with multifaceted challenges, necessitating changing behaviours within business-to-business (B2B) processes. This study investigates how collaborative relations in B2B ecosystems can influence social, environmental and economic sustainability dynamics, exploring whether the former two positively impact economic results. Design/methodology/approach: Validating a conceptual framework via partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling, a quantitative study on 262 Iranian SME stakeholders was conducted. Findings: The research underscores the paramount role of B2B relations, emphasizing the shift towards interconnected relations between society, institutions, end-users and businesses. The findings suggest that B2B collaborative efforts within a broader ecosystem address social and environmental needs, thereby contributing to transforming the ecosystem’s business models. Innovatively, the research elicited that environmental and social effects have a positive mediating effect on economic results. Originality/value: By proposing a business-social-institutional model (B2SI) grounded in relational and dynamic capabilities, this study contributes to advancing both scientific understanding and business practices, pointing to the important role of social responsibility within B2B ecosystems.
AB - Purpose: In the context of triple-bottom-line dynamics, societal components grapple with multifaceted challenges, necessitating changing behaviours within business-to-business (B2B) processes. This study investigates how collaborative relations in B2B ecosystems can influence social, environmental and economic sustainability dynamics, exploring whether the former two positively impact economic results. Design/methodology/approach: Validating a conceptual framework via partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling, a quantitative study on 262 Iranian SME stakeholders was conducted. Findings: The research underscores the paramount role of B2B relations, emphasizing the shift towards interconnected relations between society, institutions, end-users and businesses. The findings suggest that B2B collaborative efforts within a broader ecosystem address social and environmental needs, thereby contributing to transforming the ecosystem’s business models. Innovatively, the research elicited that environmental and social effects have a positive mediating effect on economic results. Originality/value: By proposing a business-social-institutional model (B2SI) grounded in relational and dynamic capabilities, this study contributes to advancing both scientific understanding and business practices, pointing to the important role of social responsibility within B2B ecosystems.
KW - B2B
KW - Ecosystem
KW - SME
KW - Stakeholder engagement
KW - Triple-bottom-line
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85214822925&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/K-05-2024-1358
DO - 10.1108/K-05-2024-1358
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85214822925
SN - 0368-492X
JO - Kybernetes
JF - Kybernetes
ER -