Integrating ESG into the Business Model Through a Network Approach. Insights from a Case Study

This paper explores how a company can embrace sustainability and integrate ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) issues to develop a sustainable business model, with a specific focus on the role of networks. According to the actor-resource-activity (ARA) framework, we investigated the three critical network elements actors, activities and resources - that are activated and combined in the network. The analyzed case study shows a unique approach to incorporating ESG into the business model. The company has always posed the following question: How can social and environmental choices be made sustainable from an economic point of view? The inputs are strictly internal and related to the values that have always guided the creation and development of the company. The empirical evidence contributes to the literature by showing how the success of a small company can result from a sustainable network business model. It involves many stakeholders, such as small firms, consumers, communities and universities, whose actions, resources and activities feed knowledge and culture on sustainability issues. The shift from a sustainable business model to a sustainable network business model can be a valuable tool for disseminating awareness of ESG issues to micro and small enterprises.