Advancing environmental sustainability in the creative sectors: A strategic HR framework based on data analytics and eco-innovation

Abstract

In response to the growing urgency of environmental sustainability, industries across the globe are seeking innovative approaches to mitigate their ecological footprint. The creative sectors, encompassing fields such as design, advertising, media, and entertainment, wield significant influence in shaping societal norms and consumer behavior. However, their activities often come with substantial environmental consequences. This proposes a strategic human resource (HR) framework grounded in data analytics and eco-innovation to foster environmental sustainability within the creative sectors. The proposed framework emphasizes the pivotal role of HR practices in driving organizational change towards sustainability. Leveraging data analytics, organizations can gain insights into their environmental impact across various stages of production and consumption. By analyzing this data, firms can identify key areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to reduce resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Moreover, eco-innovation emerges as a central pillar of this framework, encouraging organizations to rethink traditional practices and develop creative solutions that minimize environmental harm. Through eco-innovation, firms can design products, services, and processes that align with principles of sustainability while maintaining competitiveness in the market. Strategic HR practices play a critical role in facilitating this transition towards environmental sustainability. HR departments can champion sustainability initiatives by fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, providing training on eco-friendly practices, and incentivizing employees to contribute to sustainability goals. Furthermore, HR professionals can spearhead recruitment efforts to attract individuals with expertise in sustainability and facilitate knowledge sharing within the organization. The integration of data analytics and eco-innovation into HR practices represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing environmental challenges in the creative sectors. By adopting this strategic framework, organizations can not only minimize their ecological footprint but also capitalize on opportunities for innovation and differentiation in an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace. Ultimately, this review advocates for a holistic approach to sustainability that encompasses both environmental and organizational objectives within the creative sectors.