International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 2 (March-April 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of April to publish your research paper in the issue of March-April.

Sustainable Business Model Development from Cultural Heritage: A Study of Apatani Traditional Costume Practices

Author(s) Ms. Lucy Tage, Dr. Paramita Sarkar
Country India
Abstract Contemporary research on sustainable business practices and business model innovation increasingly emphasises the need to identify new, inclusive pathways for circular enterprise development and sustainable business practices. There is growing interest in alternative knowledge systems for their potential to support innovative and inclusive business model development. Although widely acknowledged for their cultural significance, indigenous clothing traditions have not been sufficiently examined for their potential to contribute to contemporary business model innovation, particularly through adaptive reuse strategies. Most existing literature addresses cultural or aesthetic aspects, with limited empirical research investigating how traditional clothing systems can be transformed into viable, scalable, and sustainable enterprises, supported by both qualitative and quantitative evidence.
A mixed-method research design was employed, integrating qualitative approaches with quantitative and descriptive analysis. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatanis’ homeland, where most community members have ancestral roots. Additionally, Itanagar, the capital city, was selected for its significant Apatani population, enabling comparative insights from both traditional and urban contexts. Consumer perspectives are incorporated to assess market relevance and adoption potential, particularly among younger demographics. A structured survey was administered to the target age group (18–55 years) using snowball sampling. The survey collected quantitative data on usage frequency, perceived barriers, sustainability awareness, and openness to contemporary adaptations. Data were analysed using thematic analysis supported by basic statistical techniques.
This study demonstrates how indigenous clothing practices of the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh can contribute to the evolution of sustainable and circular business models within the fashion and creative industries and facilitate sustainable business model innovation through adaptive reuse, circular design strategies, and community-based value creation. The study conceptualises these practices as embedded knowledge systems that demonstrate resource efficiency, adaptive reuse of materials, and community-based production logic.
The research presents an empirically grounded framework connecting cultural heritage to scalable and resource-efficient enterprise models. The resulting business model provides practical guidance for designers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers seeking to create heritage-driven circular enterprises while maintaining cultural integrity. These findings apply to other indigenous and craft-based contexts, supporting sustainable growth, innovation, and broader societal impact within the creative economy.
Keywords Apatani tribe; Circular economy; Community-based enterprises; Heritage-led innovation; Sustainable business models; Indigenous knowledge systems; Sustainable fashion.
Field Business Administration
Published In Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On 2026-04-12
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.74531

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