Worldwide, most of innovative businesses base their success on creating value through better use of intangible assets, especially in the ICT, marketing and financial sectors. Considering that ecosystem services constitute the most valuable intangible assets on earth and that the global demand for “nature” is increasing, we can assume a next generation “bio and circular economy” based on Natural Capital investments and marketing of ecosystem services and biodiversity. The agriculture, forestry and natural resource sectors are called to a paradigm shift, from providing “products” to deliver “services”: this is particularly true with regards to water, climate change mitigation, health and outdoor recreational activities. The challenge of The Nature-Accelerator is to improve the provision, access and market of these natural services!
Key concepts of business models we are looking for are:
Impact driven: No compromises! Compulsory positive social, environmental and governance impacts. The Nature-Accelerator is powered by Fledge Environment. Fledge is a community of impact investors who share our vision in helping foster businesses that do good through for-profit businesses.
Social Innovation: Social innovation refers also to the creation of new forms of networks and practices among people and organizations in response to societal, economic and environmental challenges. Innovation doesn’t happen only with technology: people, institutions and networks should be at the core of any innovative, socially-driven business model. Today we read a lot about new business models, disruptive innovation, digital transformation, amazing startups but …..”Development is about transforming the lives of people, not just transforming economies.” Joseph Stiglitz, author of “The price of inequality” and Nobel Prize for Economics 2001.
New technologies: new business models should take advantage under the concept of “Industry 4.0” goes the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things and cloud computing.
Circular and bio economy: Re-thinking the economy, a continuous positive development cycle that preserves and enhances natural capital, optimizes resource yields, by minimizing risks and increasing renewable flows. It works effectively at every scale. Currently, more than 40 nations worldwide are proposing actions and strategies to boost their bioeconomy. In Europe, bioeconomy is already worth EUR 2 trillion in annual turnover and account for more than 20 million jobs (EC, 2012). Bioeconomy is expected to grow up to a market value of EUR 40 billion and 90,000 new jobs in 2020.