The traditional business model which focuses on generating financial returns and prioritising shareholder profit, is becoming less sustainable in today’s world. Enterprises face growing pressure from environmental challenges, climate change, natural resource depletion, social inequality, technological disruption/AI and stricter government regulations to move beyond a profit-only focus. Consumers prefer brands that prioritise sustainability, minimise environmental impact, support ethical practices and demonstrate social responsibility. Further, employees are increasingly seeking to work for organisations that reflect their values and make a positive impact on society, as this fosters a sense of purpose and pride in their roles. The continued depletion of natural resources compels enterprises to adopt a long-term perspective instead of a short-term focus. As a result, enterprises need to adopt more sustainable business models that balance financial success with social and environmental responsibility—aligning people, profit and the planet to stay competitive and relevant. This module will emphasise the strong relationship between innovation, business models, and sustainability, demonstrating how these models can be designed to reduce negative environmental and social impacts while enhancing the well-being of employees, shareholders and the broader stakeholder community. It will examine the principles, frameworks, and practices of sustainable business model innovation and explore the integration of sustainability into and across business functions, from startup through growth, scaling, and internationalisation.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship; evaluation of the relevance or fit for purpose of traditional business models;  exploring sustainability and its multidimensional components, the language of sustainability; drivers of change on traditional business models; circular economy; stakeholder engagement; digital tech for good; business model alignment with the evolution of the business from start up, growth, scaling and internationalisation; frameworks and tools for integrating sustainability into start up and growth and scaling stages; designing, implementing and evaluating innovative sustainable business models that incorporate economic, social, and environmental objectives – people, profit and planet

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Assess interconnected relationship between innovation, business models and sustainability Evaluate the environmental, social, technological, and economic pressures influencing the move to sustainable business model design. Develop sustainable business models to integrate sustainability into and across business functions.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Cultivate a mindset of innovation for social good, seeing sustainability as an opportunity.    Appreciate the importance of balancing profit with social and environmental responsibility. Exemplify enhanced ethical and responsible management skills and motivation to champion sustainable business practices in an entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial context

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The module will combine theoretical foundations with hands-on, experiential learning to ensure students can both understand and apply concepts of innovative sustainable business models.  Lectures will introduce key principles, frameworks, and global trends shaping sustainability, business models and innovation.  These will be complemented by experiential learning activities, including business model design and scenario-based exercises to apply concepts in real-world contexts. Overall, delivery methods such as the flipped classroom, peer learning, and role-play simulations will foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking to enhance ethical and responsible management skills and motivation to champion sustainable business practices in an entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial context, developing the UL graduate attributes of “responsible”, “articulate”, “courageous”, and “curious”