Sustainable Business Model, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainable Practices: A Possible Strategy for Tomorrow

The paper critically examines the sustainable business model in the context of existing and future challenges inherent in the capitalist system. As the business model serves as a dynamic framework illustrating how a company generates wealth over time, functioning as both a visual representation and operational guide for implementing corporate strategy, it inherently embodies the essence of an entrepreneurial concept, delving into its practical ability to create value. The innovation within the business model lies in a transformative shift in how the company conducts its operations, thereby altering the methods of value creation. Progressing toward more sustainable business models necessitates the exploration of novel approaches that transcend a purely economic focus, incorporating environmental and social dimensions. Regeneration emerges as the pivotal concept in the evolution toward novel business paradigms that actively contribute to the restoration of humanity. In this context, regeneration signifies "giving forward," signifying a comprehensive redefinition of corporate culture and the adept utilization of cutting-edge tools to construct a business model centered around sustainability. The strategic utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize resources and enhance production efficiency is thoroughly examined as a fundamental component in attaining sustainable development goals. The article subsequently presents a case study exemplifying success, embodied by Madri Leone, a winery situated in Puglia, Italy, overseen by two sisters. This case study illuminates a harmonious amalgamation of family tradition and sustainable practices.


Introduction
In a backdrop of escalating concerns within the capitalist system, certain authors have raised queries about organizations and their operational methods, suggesting potential responsibility Vol 14, Issue 1, (2024) E-ISSN: 2222-6990 for the myriad challenges afflicting society (Bornstein, 2004).On matters concerning the environment, social issues, and economic problems, an ongoing debate surrounds the role of organizations.This discourse has given rise to a novel strategy for value creation aimed at generating benefits for both companies and society as a whole.This approach seeks to address societal issues and needs while simultaneously pursuing economic, social, and cultural valuea departure from the conventional profit-maximization logic.By implementing innovative initiatives, companies can contribute to solving social and environmental issues while covering costs and generating profits (Bornstein, 2004).The present study aims to deepen our understanding of new business paradigms capable of regenerating the biosphere and promoting fairness, equality, and inclusivity, thereby contributing to the creation of a more just, sustainable, and resilient society.Within the business context, the business model signifies how a company creates wealth over time, serving as a visual platform for representing and executing the corporate strategy.It organically expresses the contents of an entrepreneurial idea, delving into its actual ability to create value.The innovation of the business model, therefore, lies in radically changing the ways of doing business, steering the company toward the creation of value not only economically but also environmentally and socially.Innovations in the business model for sustainability involve substantial changes in how a company and its network create, distribute, and capture value.Such innovations aim to generate significant positive impacts and/or significantly reduce negative impacts on the environment and society.This entails a redefinition of the company's value propositions to improve the process of value creation and distribution while simultaneously enhancing positive impacts or reducing negative impacts from social and environmental perspectives (Bocken et al., 2014).In essence, innovation in the business model for sustainability represents a crucial step toward transforming how businesses conceive and pursue value, integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects to promote an overall positive impact on society and the environment.Exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can become a powerful tool for promoting a sustainable economy is essential in addressing these challenges (Brynjolfsson, McAfee, 2014).AI offers the opportunity to address numerous challenges facing modern society, significantly contributing to people's quality of life and environmental protection.For instance, AI can optimize resource use, reduce waste, and improve the efficiency of production processes (Galliano, 2022).In the agricultural sector, AI can be employed to manage irrigation and fertilizer use more efficiently, thereby reducing the environmental impact of agricultural activities.These applications of AI exemplify the opportunities available to promote a sustainable economy through technological innovation.The strategic adoption of AI can significantly contribute to achieving sustainable development goals and improving the lives of local communities and society as a whole.Amid current socio-economic challenges, the example of Madri Leone, an agricultural company in Puglia, Italy, specializing in wine production, stands out.Madri Leone stands out for the adoption of highly sustainable materials in its production process, as will be detailed later.Additionally, the company leverages advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to reduce operational costs, thus contributing to a more sustainable environment.The example of Madri Leone represents a tangible model of how a company, through sustainable practices and the integration of innovative technologies like AI, can not only achieve economic success but also make a significant contribution to sustainable progress.This blend of tradition, innovation, and social responsibility serves as an inspiration for the future of sustainable business.In summary, the paper begins with a general overview of sustainability issues and the new business models related to it, examining relevant literature (section 2).Then, in section 3, it focuses on business approaches that integrate both Artificial Intelligence and sustainable business aspects, using the Madri Leone company as a specific case study.Launched in a highly competitive sector during the pandemic period, this study aims to demonstrate how a mediumsized winery can benefit from more competitive business approaches that combine Artificial Intelligence with a focus on sustainability.Subsequently, in section 4, the paper analyzes the study and applications of Smart Agriculture, focusing on the impact that the application of Artificial Intelligence can have on sustainability and the creation of common value for people and the biosphere.Finally, in section 5, the conclusions of the paper are clearly presented, emphasizing how the strategic adoption of Artificial Intelligence can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals.The Madri Leone case study emerges as a tangible example of how a business can not only achieve economic success but also contribute to sustainable progress.The paper concludes with suggestions for possible directions for future research, encouraging further exploration of the potential of Artificial Intelligence in sustainable and socially responsible business models to address contemporary global challenges innovatively.

Sustainable Business Model
The Business Model (BM), or business model, can be described as the system of organizational, managerial, and operational logics through which an organization transforms resources into results, turning inputs into outputs through a series of activities and projects (Osterwalder, Pigneur, 2010).Additionally, the BM deals with how a company creates, delivers, and acquires value in the short, medium, and long term (Schaltegger et al., 2012;2016).This model provides the context in which the company makes strategic decisions and implements processes.Currently, there is widespread consensus that the increasing environmental and social challenges faced by businesses underscore the unsustainability of existing models of production and consumption.According to Geissdoerfer (2018), to effectively address these challenges, companies need to make even more significant changes to their economic and productive activities, including redefining the Business Model and increasing the trust and involvement of various stakeholders.The response to these challenges and the prerequisite for such changes are represented by the adoption of a Sustainable Business Model (SBM), capable of defining the company's objectives not only from an economic and financial perspective but also in terms of social and environmental considerations.An alternative way of thinking about the evolution of the Business Model (BM) starts with the conception that it constitutes a generative element of competitive advantage by creating broader value for the customer, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the company and society (Lüdeke-Freund, 2010).According to Stubbs and Cocklin (2010), who first theorized a framework to define this concept, a Sustainable Business Model (SBM) has the following characteristics: a. Defines the purpose of a company in broader terms than financial ones, emphasizing environmental and social aspects.b.Ultimately leads to adopting a "triple" approach, as a consequence of reporting on environmental, social, and financial performance (Dean, McMullen, 2007).
c. Takes into account the needs of all stakeholders, without focusing exclusively on shareholders (Freeman, 2010).d.Recognizes "nature" as a stakeholder.e. Involves company leaders in integrating sustainability into the corporate culture.f.Modifies the tax system by shifting the tax burden to business practices with a negative impact on the environment (such as the consumption of non-renewable resources).g.Considers reinvestment of local capital.
The value creation model, conceived in such a comprehensive way, combines measurable creation of environmental and social value with that of economic value (Boons, Lüdeke-Freud, 2013), integrating social and environmental aspects and objectives into the business context and considering the environment and society as key stakeholders to be taken into account (Evans et al., 2017).The concept of sustainable development is envisioned as a long-term process, marked by a highly interactive and dynamic nature that undergoes continuous changes over time.In this context, there arises the imperative to embrace a development that is equitable, free from social disparities, gender distinctions, and economic inequalities.The objective is to meet the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to fulfill their own needs.This approach entails contemplating the legacy of a planet, an economic system, and a social system that are sustainable and dignified, ensuring that not only present but also future generations can satisfy their needs and pursue their objectives.Since the formulation of the concept of sustainable development seamlessly intertwines with the definition of sustainability, it is possible to align the definition of sustainable development provided in the Brundtland Report with the three dimensions of sustainability outlined in the "Social Responsibilities of Business Corporations."These dimensions were identified within the report compiled in 1971 by the Committee for Economic Development (CED), an entity of the Conference Board (Iandolo, Caputo, 2018): Social Sustainability: The ability to ensure democracy, participation, and social justice, as well as evenly distributed conditions of human well-being (safety, health, education) among classes and genders.In other words, it refers to the capacity to secure human well-being fairly, taking into account class and gender differences.Environmental Sustainability: The ability to preserve over time the three main functions of ecosystems, namely the provision of resources, the absorption of waste, and the direct provision of benefits.To avoid exceeding the environment's resilience, i.e., nature's capacity to absorb the impact of human transformations without causing irreversible degradation, and to stay within the planetary boundaries, which represent the maximum capacity of the entire Earth System to withstand various anthropogenic pressures, it is essential to maintain a balance among the three functions of ecosystems.Economic Sustainability: The ability of the economic system to generate sustainable growth in economic indicators by creating income and employment for the sustenance of populations, and through an efficient and effective combination of resources.In other words, it refers to the economic system's capacity to create economic value, including profitability, in the long term.This tripartite framework echoes what has been defined by Elkington, as the "Triple Bottom Line," integrating considerations related to the three pillars of sustainability: people, profit, and planet (Elkington, Rowlands, 1999).According to this framework, for sustainable development to be achieved, i.e., to meet the needs of everyone and improve living conditions for people, both current and future generations, the three dimensions of sustainability must be inherently interconnected and maintained in a continuous and constant balance.In particular, sustainable development occurs solely and exclusively at the intersection of economic, social, and environmental needs.It is deemed livable when social and environmental demands are respected, achievable when economic needs and the environment are respected, and fair when social demands and economic needs are respected (Iandolo, Caputo, 2018).Therefore, since the concept of sustainability is closely interrelated with the concept of sustainable development, and as sustainability encompasses environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability, the achievement of sustainable development simultaneously results in environmental protection, social inclusion (or socioethics), and economic prosperity: environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic prosperity, collectively, translate into a significant enhancement of well-being and, consequently, a marked improvement in the quality of life.To better understand the integration of sustainability within a business context, particularly in a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) operating in the wine industry, it is necessary to delve into the topic of the sustainable business model, conducting a literature analysis.Porter and Kramer (2011) argue that the sustainable business model is a source of competitive advantage in which the value proposition, value creation, and value capturing mechanisms incorporate sustainability principles, bringing economic benefits to adopting enterprises.Boons and Lüdeke-Freund (2013) identify four characteristics that distinguish a sustainable business model from a traditional business model: The value proposition integrates environmental and social value with economic value.The principle of sustainable supply chain management is introduced.The sustainable business model must develop relationships with consumers and other stakeholders to create more sustainable production and consumption systems.In the design of the financial model, both economic benefits and the social and environmental impacts of the enterprise must be considered.Täuscher and Abdelkafi (2016) believe that the sustainable business model provides value not only to the company's consumers but also to the environment and society.Geissdoerfer et al. (2018) define a sustainable business model as a set of elements.The interrelation of these elements and interaction with stakeholders create, provide, capture, and exchange sustainable value for many stakeholders.Finally, Roome and Louche's (2016) study is particularly interesting.It integrates components of a traditional business model identified earlier.In the business model, the value creation process is central and directly linked to the value proposition, while in the sustainable business model, value destruction is also considered.In the traditional business model, the creation of economic value involves simultaneous destruction of value for other actors (stakeholders) now or in the future (Smith, 2013).Companies deciding to implement a sustainable business model must, therefore, be concerned not only with creating value for themselves and society but also with controlling the value that is destroyed, aiming to minimize the negative impact of their activities as much as possible (Roome, Louche, 2016).The research is rooted in a fundamental question: once the definition of the "sustainable business model" is fully grasped, we will explore why companies should embrace it and the advantages of its implementation.
As stated in the Brundtland Commission's 1987 report: "Sustainable development calls for the integration of environmental and social issues into the decisions that shape economic and social development whether they are made by the public or private sector."Given this statement, the question arises as to why businesses should consider introducing a sustainability logic into their business models.The theme of sustainability holds a global scope, and, as widely acknowledged, the environmental and social situation is progressively worsening due to exponential phenomena, such as population growth, giving rise to additional subphenomena with exponential dynamics.It is evident that a problem of such magnitude does not exclusively concern public organizations and non-profit entities but involves every individual and entity on the planet.Organizations emerge as central players in this context: groups of individuals coordinating their actions to achieve predefined objectives.Historically, organizations have predominantly focused on achieving profit, typically attained through the transformation and resale of materials.The interconnection between sustainability and businesses becomes apparent as companies constitute and manage the productive resources of the economy, encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects (Li et al., 2020).The interest of businesses in sustainability is not confined to a matter of good conduct and social responsibility alone.In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted how the introduction of sustainable practices in a business can be viewed as a source of competitive advantage and a tool to enhance overall performance.It is, therefore, highly intriguing to explore the link between sustainability and performance by analyzing key considerations found in the literature.Several pieces of research suggest that, for companies to contribute to a more sustainable development, they need to rethink and reshape their business models (Roome, Louche, 2016; Bocken et al., 2014;Schaltegger et al., 2012;Lüdeke-Freund, 2010).The process of globalization has made global competition more complex, and to stay continually abreast of the market, innovation is essential.Traditional business models struggle to provide appropriate solutions (Nosratabadi et al., 2019).One of the most interesting innovative forms to pursue is the integration of sustainability within the business model.Evans (2017) contends that the sustainable business model could supersede the traditional business model, given that sustainable competitive advantage outperforms the conventional approach.Initially introduced with the aim of making companies more environmentally and socially responsible (Jayne, Rashid,2013), the sustainable business model is now recognized as a means to attain a competitive advantage (Porter, Kramer, 2011, 2016).Companies, therefore, continue to concentrate on their primary goal, which is the generation of economic value.However, they expand this focus by incorporating the creation of value in social and environmental dimensions, considering a broader spectrum of stakeholders in the process.
To construct a genuine sustainable business model, these three values must be pursued simultaneously, with none taking precedence over the others.Over the years, there has been a noteworthy increase in attention to sustainability.Virtually all major global companies have chosen to address this issue, employing diverse methods and objectives, turning the dynamics of sustainability into a prevalent trend.While all efforts to enhance environmental and social conditions are noteworthy, it is crucial to distinguish genuine sustainable changes from phenomena involving marginal shifts in production structures.
In Italy, to effect a substantial breakthrough, attention must be directed not only toward large companies but also toward small emerging businesses.For this reason, we have chosen to examine a small winery in southern Italy as an illustrative example of a sustainable business.This case demonstrates that even on a small scale, significant progress toward sustainability can be achieved.

Sustainability and Innovation: Madri Leone's Business Model as a Case Study in the Apulian Wine Industry
This scholarly article delves into the interconnections between the concept of sustainable business and the execution of the Sustainable Business Model (SBM) by examining a specific case study: the Madri Leone winery.Amidst contemporary environmental and social challenges, Madri Leone serves as a concrete illustration of how a small-scale enterprise can embrace innovative and sustainable practices, serving as a beacon for the Apulian wine industry.Through the incorporation of advanced technologies, the promotion of the local territory, and the establishment of a corporate culture centered around sustainability, Madri Leone epitomizes a harmonious synthesis of tradition, innovation, and social responsibility.Waste Reduction and Artificial Intelligence: Madri Leone distinguishes itself by implementing innovative strategies focused on waste reduction, notably through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based labels to eliminate paper usage.This practice not only reflects a tangible commitment to addressing environmental challenges but also integrates technological innovation at the core of the business model.Locally Sourced Production: Madri Leone's commitment to using locally sourced grapes underscores its dedication to environmental sustainability.By minimizing emissions associated with the transportation of raw materials, the company not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also contributes to supporting the local community, integrating sustainability principles into the economic and social fabric.Valorization of Territory and Culture: Madri Leone adopts a "triple" approach that places value on environmental, social, and financial performance.The acknowledgment of the environment and society as crucial stakeholders illustrates a business management approach oriented towards broader benefits, positioning sustainability at the forefront of strategic decisionmaking.Integration of Sustainability into Corporate Culture: The leaders of Madri Leone play a pivotal role in embedding sustainability into the corporate culture.This commitment at the leadership level underscores how social responsibility can serve as a long-term driver of success, contributing to a business model rooted in sustainable values.Modification of the Tax System: The company aspires to modify the tax system by shifting the tax burden towards sustainable business practices.This initiative, extending beyond conventional financial considerations, serves as an exemplar of how the adoption of ecofriendly behaviors can be incentivized at the corporate level.Madri Leone stands out as an exemplary case study in the integration of sustainable practices into its business model.Through a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, the company illustrates that the concept of sustainable business can be effectively implemented, even in small-scale enterprises.This makes a significant contribution to environmental and social sustainability, particularly within the framework of the Apulian wine industry.Madri Leone, a distinguished winery nestled in Puglia, has become the focus of a meticulously crafted questionnaire.This survey is designed to delve into the intricacies of implementing sustainable practices within the confines of a small-scale business characterized by a limited workforce.The proprietors of Madri Leone, the Leone sisters, provided thoughtful insights into the feasibility and challenges associated with integrating sustainability into their winemaking enterprise.Presented below are the inquiries posed to the Leone sisters along with simulated responses, offering a nuanced understanding of their perspective on sustainable business practices within the context of a modest-sized companyQuestionnaire for Company -Sustainable Business on a Small Scale: 9 Relationship between sustainability and price: Question: Do you think the perception of sustainability influences customers' willingness to pay a slightly higher price for your products/services, especially in light of climate impacts?(1 -No influence, 5 -Strong influence) 10 Impact of floods and adverse weather conditions: Question: How have episodes of floods and adverse weather conditions affected your sector?And considering AI-based monitoring agriculture, how do you think your company could benefit in similar situations?(Open response).

Questionnaire Data Analysis
Commitment to Sustainability: Response: Our company is committed to sustainable practices, with a rating of 4.However, the impacts of floods and adverse weather conditions add complexity to our commitment.
of Renewable Resources: Response: Currently, we do not use renewable energy sources, but we are exploring options to reduce our environmental impact.Waste Reduction Practices: Response: We have implemented policies to reduce resource waste, scoring a 3.However, extreme weather events complicate maintaining more stringent policies.

Adoption of Sustainable Technologies:
Response: We are gradually adopting sustainable technologies, including AI labeling, but the transition is ongoing, and we attribute a score of 2.
Challenges in Implementing Sustainable Practices: Response: Key challenges include high initial costs, staff training on new technologies, and the need to address the unpredictable effects of climate change.
Costs Associated with Implementation: Response: Initial costs have been significant, especially considering the impacts of climate change.We believe that, in the long run, these will lead to savings and environmental benefits, but we acknowledge the current financial impact.
Customer Perception: Response: Our customers have responded positively to sustainable initiatives, showing an increasing interest in our products.However, they emphasize the need for transparency in our practices.
Future Intentions: Response: We have strong intentions to implement additional sustainable practices, but we recognize the challenge of balancing investments with changing climate conditions.Sustainability-Price Relationship: Response: We believe that the perception of sustainability positively influences customers' willingness to pay a slightly higher price, especially in light of climate impacts, with a score of 4.

Impact of Floods and Adverse Weather Conditions:
Response: Floods and adverse weather conditions have significantly affected our industry, highlighting the importance of adaptation strategies.AI-based agriculture could offer benefits in monitoring and mitigating such impacts, but it requires additional resources and investments.These responses illuminate the intricate nature of challenges faced by small businesses, exemplified by Madri Leone, in the pursuit of sustainability goals, particularly in the context of adverse climate impacts.This newfound understanding has created a pivotal space for on the intersection between sustainable business practices and artificial intelligence (AI).In a landscape marked by ongoing climate change and heightened instances of floods, the indispensability of AI-driven agriculture, characterized by predictive methodologies and continuous monitoring, becomes conspicuously apparent.This contemplation emphasizes that, irrespective of business size, the restructuring revolution facilitated by the adoption of AI not only becomes imperative but also assumes a pivotal role in mitigating contemporary climate challenges.A transition toward AI-based agriculture holds the promise of not only providing more efficacious solutions against climate impacts but also signifies a significant stride towards enduring sustainability.In the subsequent paragraph, a more in-depth exploration of the implications and advantages of an AI-driven approach to agriculture will be undertaken.

Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development in Italy: AI at the heart of the Agricultural Revolution (Smart Agriculture)
The prevailing climatic conditions and their ramifications on agriculture are of utmost importance in the current discourse.The agricultural sector confronts formidable challenges associated with burgeoning demand for agricultural products, the imperative of resource optimization, and the overarching impact of climate change (Galliano, 2022).However, the adoption of conventional technological solutions has often incurred a substantial environmental toll, failing to adequately address the complex interplay of social and economic challenges, particularly for small-scale farmers.In the Italian context, where the agricultural landscape is predominantly characterized by small and medium-sized enterprises, these challenges become particularly pronounced.Small and medium-sized agricultural businesses constitute a cornerstone of Italian agriculture, playing a pivotal role in both the nation's economy and cultural fabric.Nonetheless, these enterprises grapple with significant hurdles, including the difficulty of embracing advanced technologies due to resource constraints and inadequate infrastructure.The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is heralding a revolution in the agricultural sector, epitomized by the emergence of Smart Agriculture or Precision Agriculture.This paradigm shifts in agriculture leverages advanced digital technologies and predictive models fueled by AI to monitor and optimize various facets of agricultural production processes (Deere, 2023).The primary objective of Smart Agriculture is to offer solutions that are universally applicable to farmers of all scales, irrespective of the size of their enterprise, geographical location, or sector affiliation, all while maintaining the affordability of technology.In the contemporary agricultural landscape, characterized by surging demands for agricultural products, the omnipresent challenge of climate change, and the imperative to optimize resource utilization, solutions need to be developed to address these multifaceted challenges (Uphoff, 2001).Furthermore, in countries like Italy, where small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises constitute the majority, it becomes imperative to devise solutions that are both accessible and economically viable for farmers across all scales.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a multitude of advantages for precision agriculture, fundamentally transforming the way farming is conducted: Detailed Monitoring: Utilizing sensors, drones, and connected weather stations facilitates the collection of comprehensive data on various agricultural parameters such as temperature, humidity, and soil fertility.This detailed information provides farmers with an exhaustive understanding of their crop conditions.Predictive Analysis: AI's capability to analyze extensive real-time data enables the identification of trends and patterns.This empowers farmers to make informed decisions regarding crop management, optimizing crucial activities such as planting, irrigation, and harvesting.Input Reduction: AI contributes to the optimization of precious resources like water and fertilizers.Through accurate identification of when and how much of these resources to apply, waste is minimized, and environmental impact is reduced.Large-Scale Precision Agriculture: AI facilitates the application of precision agriculture concepts to extensive agricultural areas.This not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to the preservation of natural resources and a reduction in the use of chemicals.Accessibility and Affordability: Despite the historical challenge of cost associated with adopting advanced technologies in agriculture, the increasing accessibility of digital technologies and the integration of AI are making these solutions more cost-effective and accessible to farmers of all sizes.
To ensure the successful integration of AI in agriculture, several crucial steps are imperative: Digital Infrastructure: Investments in digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet coverage in rural areas, are essential to enable farmers to fully leverage digital technologies.
Training and Awareness: Training programs and awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in helping farmers comprehend the benefits of AI and how to effectively incorporate it into their operations.
Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborations among farmers, government institutions, technology companies, and research institutes are essential for developing tailored solutions and ensuring system interoperability.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into agriculture marks a transformative era characterized by improved efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in agricultural production.In Italy, a country renowned for its agricultural heritage and characterized by numerous small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises, the socio-economic impact of AI is particularly pronounced, especially in the southern regions where agriculture plays a pivotal role in the local economy and communities.In the wine industry, the adoption of AI has showcased notable benefits.Consider a vineyard in Southern Italy, where traditional practices heavily relied on the extensive use of chemicals for protecting vines from pests and diseases.AI empowers grape growers to conduct meticulous microclimate analyses, accurately pinpointing critical areas and periods necessitating intervention.This precision-oriented approach not only diminishes reliance on chemicals but also upholds crop quality, thereby contributing to the sustainability of agricultural operations.
A noteworthy Italian initiative is spearheaded by Engineering, leveraging its ecosystemic platforms based on Engineering Digital Enabler.This patented platform facilitates the realtime aggregation of heterogeneous data from diverse sources, encompassing IoT sensors, public or private archives, and open data.Importantly, the platform autonomously verifies data quality and authenticity, providing structured and organized data models applicable to institutions, businesses, and technologies.It is imperative to emphasize that this platform adheres to data security and protection standards, ensuring privacy and regulatory compliance.AI serves as a catalyst for a socially responsible business model, conveying significant messages not only in Italy but globally.Primarily, it champions environmental sustainability by curbing the excessive use of chemicals, aligning with the heightened importance of environmental awareness in contemporary times.Additionally, the adoption of AI in agriculture creates opportunities for specialized employment in automation, a particularly relevant aspect in addressing unemployment challenges, especially prevalent in Southern regions of Italy.Offering training programs to individuals for managing AI technologies not only enhances career prospects but also combats youth unemployment, as evidenced by studies (Galliano, 2022).Finally, the effective utilization of AI in agriculture plays a crucial role in preserving Italian agricultural traditions, a significant cultural heritage.AI assists growers in enhancing their practices without necessitating the abandonment of traditional methods handed down through generations.In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence is delivering tangible benefits to agriculture in Italy, particularly in the Southern regions.These advantages extend beyond crop optimization, encompassing a positive social impact by promoting sustainability, creating employment opportunities, and safeguarding cherished agricultural traditions.AI, in this context, is not merely an economic growth engine but also a conduit for conveying pivotal messages of social and environmental change.

Conclusions
To sum up, the extant economic milieu necessitates a profound paradigm shift in global business models to effectively address the pressing social and environmental challenges of the 21st century.The growing inclination within the business sphere to contribute to planetary well-being represents an extraordinary and auspicious development.However, it is imperative to recognize that the impetus for this transformation must emanate from small enterprises to instigate an authentic revolution.The examination of Madri Leone, a petite vineyard in Southern Italy, proffers an intriguing perspective.This case study illustrates that authentic innovations and radical changes often emanate from more modest entities.Madri Leone, through its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and the embrace of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, stands as a tangible exemplar of how a small business can play a substantial role in generating positive impacts on the environment, people, and communities.Addressing contemporary challenges demands a collective commitment from businesses of all sizes.The conclusions drawn from this study underscore the necessity to actively encourage and support small businesses in their journey toward sustainability and innovation, recognizing the revolutionary potential inherent in these entities.The incorporation of artificial intelligence into business processes, as showcased by Madri Leone, has the potential to magnify positive impacts and contribute to forging a better future for all.However, it is crucial to note that, while Madri Leone emerges as a successful model, it represents just a starting point.To comprehensively gauge if genuine change can emanate from grassroots initiatives, continual monitoring of sustainable practices and the adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence is indispensable.The research has illuminated the benefits accrued by Madri Leone, yet an acute awareness of potential challenges is paramount.Challenges may manifest in terms of implementation costs, human resource adaptation, and market responses to sustainable initiatives.A vigilant monitoring of these aspects will facilitate the refinement of strategies over time.Moreover, for enduring success, a critical consideration of the artificial intelligence aspect is essential.While it holds the potential for significant improvements in efficiency and sustainability, addressing ethical concerns related to AI use is imperative.Transparency, responsibility, and effective data management are critical factors to ensure the ethical and sustainable application of artificial intelligence in businesses.In conclusion, while enthusiasm for the progress made by Madri Leone is justified, maintaining a critical and forward-thinking approach is vital.Only through continuous monitoring, adaptation to emerging challenges, and ethical management of evolving technologies like artificial intelligence can small businesses effectively spearhead a revolution toward a more sustainable and inclusive economic model.

1
Commitment to sustainability: Question: To what extent is your company committed to sustainable practices, considering the impacts of floods and adverse weather conditions?(1 -No commitment, 5 -Strong commitment) 2 Use of renewable resources: Question: Does your company use renewable energy sources?(1 -No, 5 -Yes, completely) 3 Waste reduction practices: Question: How much has your company implemented policies to reduce resource waste, taking into account extreme weather events?(1 -No policy, 5 -Very stringent policies) 4 Adoption of sustainable technologies: Question: Have you adopted sustainable technologies, such as the use of AI labels, to reduce environmental impact?(1 -No adoption, 5 -Extensive adoption) 5 Challenges in implementing sustainable practices: Question: What challenges have you encountered in implementing sustainable practices in your company, especially in relation to adverse weather events?(Open response) 6 Costs associated with implementation: Question: To what extent have the initial costs associated with the adoption of sustainable practices, such as using AI labels or local sourcing, influenced your decision considering climate change?(1 -No impact, 5 -Significant impact) 7 Customer perception: Question: How do your customers react to your sustainable business initiatives, also considering climate impacts?(Open response) 8 Future intentions: Question: Do you plan to implement additional sustainable practices in the future, considering the need to address climate change and floods?(1 -No intention, 5 -Strong intentions)