Iterative Business Model Development In Collaborative Seaport Ecosystems: Nexus Insights

This study examines how sustainable business models can be operationalised in multi‑stakeholder seaport ecosystems through a complementary use of the Sustainable Business Model Canvas (SBMC) and the St. Gallen Business Model (SGBM). Drawing on a qualitative single case study of NEXUS, a collaborative platform accelerating the digital‑green transition of Portugal’s logistics and seaport sector, the study is guided by two research questions: (RQ1) How can a business model be operationalised within a seaport ecosystem? and (RQ2) How can stakeholder insights be transformed into coherent business model logic? The empirical design combines document analysis, semi‑structured interviews with key NEXUS stakeholders, and two BMC/SGBM‑based workshops, followed by thematic coding and framework population. Findings show that the BMC provides operational clarity by mapping resources, partnerships and sustainability impacts into tangible building blocks, while the SGBM complements this by adding strategic depth through pattern‑based configurations such as multi‑sided platform and freemium logic. Rather than being applied in a strictly linear sequence, the two frameworks were used iteratively, with BMC‑derived insights informing the SGBM dimensions and, in turn, SGBM patterns prompting refinements of the canvas. This dual‑framework approach offers a replicable pathway for evolving business models in collaborative port ecosystems, balancing openness and commercial viability. The main limitation is the single‑case design, which constrains statistical generalisation; future research should test the approach across European ports and assess long‑term performance outcomes.