Positive Energy District Value Proposition and Market Fit Framework for Stakeholder-Centric Co-creation of Business Models

Abstract

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) require viable, stakeholder-aligned business models to support their deployment and scalability. This paper presents a stakeholder-centric cocreation framework that integrates value proposition and market fit analysis to support the PED business model development. The framework combines a canvas-based workshop method with structured support materials, enabling cities, technology providers, and other stakeholders to jointly identify customer needs, value creation opportunities, financing models, and partnership structures. The approach was tested in an EU project workshop involving four pilot cities. Results demonstrate the framework’s applicability in shaping PED solutions across energy, mobility, and urban regeneration, supporting more replicable and demand-driven PED development.