Designing the Transformation towards True Sustainability - Adapting Key Business Activities in a Post-Growth Economy

Abstract

This thesis aims to provide a framework of Post-Growth-Companies (henceforth PGCs) by combining Porter’s Value Chain and the Post-Growth Economy (hence PGE). Therefore, an integrative literature review was conducted. Firstly, the PGE and the current state of re-search was analysed serving as the foundation for research. Secondly, subcategories Porter’s Value Chain were explored to determine primary and supportive activities. Consequently, a requirements’ matrix for PGC was developed. Thirdly, discursive interviews were con-ducted with four German growth-neutral companies. The previously developed PGC matrix was applied and further developed by gathering feedback. The evaluation revealed that structural growth drivers must be eliminated through both a top-down and a bottom-up process. This thesis contributes to the bottom-up process by developing a requirements’ matrix for PGCs. Future research possibly explores the implementation of PGCs and develops fur-ther concepts.