The traditional, “old” economic mindset, centred on linear growth as the primary goal, is a thing of the past. Yet much of the theory still taught to students today stems from the 1980s. With a rapidly changing world, there is a pressing need for fresh perspectives. And it’s not just for multinationals — this shift in thinking is especially vital for small and medium-sized companies. It’s essential that students engage with sustainable business models to contribute meaningfully to the new economy.

The Triple Layered Business Model Canvas has proven to be a clear, accessible and logical model for learning to think about “new economics.” The model consists of three layers, starting with the ECONOMIC LAYER, where you describe how you create, realize and deliver value. This first layer stems from the Business Model Canvas, which is widely used in practice and study.
 
The second layer is the ECOLOGICAL LAYER, and the third is the SOCIAL LAYER. Each layer features nine building blocks that are explained and illustrated using examples from real companies.
 
This book is not intended to be read in one go, but rather for working layer by layer or block by block. It includes exercises to apply the theory and provides many examples. Each chapter concludes with a step-by-step plan in which you complete, analyse and discuss the described layer with others.