To provide a platform for learning and exchange about and to improve knowledge on the development of sustainable business models, DiBiCoo conducted a series of Business Design Trainings for stakeholders in the field of biogas and renewable energy services.
The trainings were carried out in the five importing countries with country-specific training sessions virtually/hybrid between March and April 2022. The participants were owners or managers of SME in the field of engineering and consultancy, biogas plant operators, project developers or alike. All in the field of renewable energies. In Ghana, 37 participants participated in the modular courses, in Indonesia 10, in South Africa 23, in Ethiopia 17, and in Argentina 15 stakeholders.
The objective of those trainings was to strengthen entrepreneurial skills among the participants, by helping them improving their business skills in general, and increasing their success in the marketing of biogas projects to financing institutions, governments, clients, partners, and investors.
The workshops focused on designing innovative business models in an interactive process finally aiming at a joint strategy for the implementation of innovative concepts and ideas. Advanced learning tools from design thinking were used to enable the participants to identify challenges and discover the potential for alternative solutions. New markets and users in the field of biogas, financial best-practices as well as synergies and opportunities for new cooperation were identified.
The implementation of the five Business Design Trainings in each target country were supported by two trainers, one national co-trainer per target country and a technical expert. The training modules combined theoretical studies and practical exercises, in which executives from Africa, Asia and Latin America participated in intensive coaching sessions. Sustainable business models were discovered with positive effects for the local economy.
The technical expert Attila Kovacs -the Secretary General of European Renewable Gas Registry (ERGaR) and CEO of the Institute for Biogas, Waste Management & Energy- was part of the Business Design Trainings in order to ensure the participants do also have an experienced advisor on technical topics, while elaborating their business model. He provided insights from Europe on biogas business models for commercial and industrial size plants and shared customer value propositions as input. One for “Owners of biodegradable organic waste” and for “Energy Supplier and Consumers”.
The training was a great success and participants confirmed that it was very helpful to exchange with peers facing similar challenges, to improve managerial skills and to learn from each other.