Business models for interfirm energy cooperation in industrial parks: A possible taxonomy

Due to climate change and energy price volatility, companies are tackling an energy transition entailing the reconfiguration of energy and material flows within their production processes. In this context, interfirm energy cooperation among two or more companies presents an effective and innovative option for exploiting the benefits associated with the exchange of energy- related products and services. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate and categorize replicable mechanisms and solutions in terms of sustainable business models for reaching an effective and long-lasting interfirm energy cooperation in industrial parks. By assuming a park manager’ s perspective and developing a framework based on sustainable business model archetypes, three types of business models for implementing interfirm energy cooperation from mainly service-based to mainly product-based value propositions are identified and described. This paper provides indications for developing value proposition, value creation and delivery, and value capture in each type of business model, by discussing specific technical and organizational capabilities to be possessed and improved by park managers and park companies. Moreover, this study contributes to the literature on sustainable business models by exploring their systemic dimensions and provides managerial implications concerning the role of park managers.