How sustainable is your business model? A multidimensional framework and empirically validated measurement scale

The study develops a multi-dimensional framework for sustainable business models (SBM) and develops an empirically validated measurement scale. A systematic literature review revealed the lack of a universally accepted SBM concept, with fundamental theoretical differences between existing conceptualisations and limited empirical verification. Most studies identify SBM types, whereas we propose that sustainability is an inherent, gradable attribute of every business model. The SBM conceptualisation, based on an extensive literature review, led to a hypothetical model, verified through empirical research involving 694 companies from Poland and Denmark via confirmatory factor analysis. Despite differences in sustainability approaches in these countries, SBM consistently encompasses three dimensions: sustainable value proposition, creation and delivery; sustainable value capture, and governance for sustainability. The paper advances the state of the art by reframing sustainability as a continuous maturity attribute embedded in any business model, thereby moving beyond the prevailing typology-based approaches in current research. It also provides a validated measurement scale that offers a robust foundation for future SBM research, while enabling companies to assess the sustainability maturity of their business model, benchmark within their industry, and design more effective development strategies.