The Road to Flourishing is a game-based tool for sustainable business innovation. It aims to show the breadth of sustainable business model options and encourage businesses to think beyond the easy-to-implement ones. The game can be used in combination with other tools, as an introduction exercise that sets the scene for strategising or for educational purposes.
The game can be played by groups of 2-10 and takes players through 5 levels of business sustainability: efficiency, net zero, circularity, sufficiency, and regeneration. It features explanations and knowledge on those topics and, most importantly, real-life examples of businesses working on them. The gameplay takes around 30-60 minutes and requires no prior knowledge.
There are two versions:
Version 1.0 has been developed for the general public and students. It will be most useful for education sessions or as brainstorming/icebreaker for longer strategy sessions.
Version 2.0 has been developed for businesses and includes a reflection board for companies to discuss how the different levels affect their business. It will be most useful as a brainstorming/icebreaker for strategy sessions and can be followed up with other tools, such as the (Circular/Sustainable) Business Model Canvas.
If you want to play, you can access the game material through the files below.
| Version 1.0 | Version 2.0 | |
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You want to play online. You can also use our Facilitator's guide for playing online. |
Miro template version 1.0 | Miro template version 2.0 |
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You want to play in person. |
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I will do it myself (DIY). We recommend printing the game board and reflection board (version 2.0 only) in A3 format; Level, question and event ("?") cards should be printed in A4 for readability. Thick paper or cardboard is better. |
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I will have it printed in a print shop. We recommend printing the game board and reflection board (version 2.0 only) in A3 format; the level cards that explain the levels in A5. Question and event ("?") cards should be printed in A4 with a maximum of eight cards per A4 page for readability. Thick paper or cardboard is better. Tell your printer about the need to align items so that the front and back of the cards match. |
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You can also use our Instructions for players and Facilitator's guide for playing The Road to Flourishing in person.
An extended list of sources used in the game can be found here.
The game was developed by Circular X researcher Laura Niessen. The Road to Flourishing game ©2024 by Laura Niessen is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. It has been made available for public use as long as the creator is credited, it is used for non-commercial purposes only and modified material is licensed under identical terms. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/.
For feedback or questions, you can reach out to game developer Laura Niessen via l.niessen[a]maastrichtuniversity.nl.
The Regenerative Business Case Database showcases real case examples of regenerative strategies being implemented we aim to inspire experimentation towards more forward-thinking business models that aim to do 'more good' rather than just 'less harm'
The Circular Rebound Tool was developed to guide business innovators towards lower the environmental impacts of their circular business models by preventing rebound effects.
