AN OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS MODELS IN THE CZECH CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

Purpose: The paper's objective is to provide an overview of the utilized business models in the Czech chemical industry, more specifically section 20.1 according to CZ NACE. The aims of the underlying research are to provide a methodology to study an industry through the scope of its business models and utilize it on a specific industry to identify novel business models. Specifically, the research was conducted to identify the specific elements (or features) of novel business models based on sustainable multiple customer value creation within the context of the chosen industry. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology is based on the work of different authors. Based on their methodologies and research a questionnaire was developed to fit the specific goal. The questionnaire's relevance was tested during semi-structured interviews with 2 directors from 2 different companies belonging in the sample. The sample consists of all 38 companies belonging to section 20.1 CZ NACE. The questionnaire was primarily targeted to commercial directors or production directors. It consisted of 32 questions regarding selected elements of their company's business model. These elements were later used to provide an overview of the business models for the selected industry. Findings: Within such a capital-intensive industry under the spotlight of many external audits and under heavy legislation, following the issued legislation becomes a competitive advantage. The majority and minority business model constructs state the business model elements utilized by most of companies and vice versa. In effect the legislation and constant audits pushes companies towards more industrial safety and meeting environmental customer expectation while social expectations are being met by a smaller number of companies. Research/practical implications: The majority and minority business model constructs provide an overview of the current trends in the selected industry. Due to the narrow orientation of the research the results are very specific for these companies. Future research involves the creation of specific concepts based on individual elements contained in the minority business model. Other efforts will be focused on gaining access to specific performance data to pair it with its specific business model, thus providing evidence on how different configurations of business models affect social, environmental and economic performance. Originality/value: Business model research is often constricted to case studies of one or a few companies. Few works have focused on studying an industry through the lens of its business models. Also, few works have studied the connection of specific business model elements and sustainability multiple value creation.