Sustainable business value model in the ICT4D research agenda

ABSTRACT Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) emerges positively as a sustainable practice since several studies are focusing on these positive aspects, such as digital financial inclusion and digital platforms for helping communities. This study intends to investigate how a sustainable business value model (SBVM) might be framed in ICT4D from the perspective of business practices. We analyzed the literature of 160 publications in the ICT4D research field from 2003 to 2022 using social network and content analysis to perform a systematic literature review. The findings reveal six different business value perspectives to establish an SBVM in ICT4D initiatives, suggesting a broader perspective for innovators and entrepreneurs to create new business formations for better development outcomes in their communities. This paper contributes to socioeconomic development by identifying ways in which the SBVM may contribute to different communities’ development in emergent countries.