Title: Unity is strength. A case study of regional businesses in inner Mongolia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Yuan Zhai; Derek Watson

Addresses: Teesside University, International Business School, Southfield Rd., Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK ' Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism, University of Sunderland, Reg Vardy Building, St Peters Campus, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 0DD, UK

Abstract: The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic had a direct impact on retail sales, resulting in the closure of commercial establishments due to a nationwide lockdown. This reduced customer base and the consequent decline in operating profit directly threatened the survival of businesses. A platform was established by the food federation and small and medium enterprise federation of inner Mongolia in response to this so to assist local food enterprises in cooperating both internally and externally thus jointly exploring the market to encourage the growth of local and regional economies. Research findings indicate the effectiveness of the initiative in terms of resource integration and information sharing to address the overstock of commodities and shortfalls in cash flow. On the basis of qualitative research and the platform adopted, 20 interviews with experts were conducted, a new business model has been formed that may be exploited by other regions during and post-pandemic times to stimulate economic growth.

Keywords: business model; COVID-19; innovation; crisis management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEM.2026.154814

International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, 2026 Vol.18 No.3, pp.332 - 348

Received: 11 Jun 2022
Accepted: 25 May 2023
Published online: 15 Jul 2026 *

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