Determinants of Energy Efficient Innovation: A Systematic Literature Review

Paulius Šūmakaris,Deniss Ščeulovs,Renata Korsakienė

doi:10.3390/en14227777

Paulius Šūmakaris, Deniss Ščeulovs + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227777

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Abstract

Engaging firms to generate and adopt energy efficient innovation is crucial for balancing energy needs for sustainable development. In addition, a reduction in energy consumption can address environmental problems and lower production costs by reducing materials and/or energy costs and costs related to compliance with regulations. Considering the lack of systematic reviews focused on the determinants of energy efficient innovation, we address this gap and set forth to enhance the body of knowledge in the field of energy efficient innovation. To achieve the research aim, a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis were conducted. This study offers two contributions. First, the study distinguishes the determinants of energy efficient innovation in three levels: micro-level, meso-level, and macro-level. According to the findings, the following determinants of energy efficient innovation are highlighted at the micro-level: (1) cost savings; (2) previous experience; (3) technological capabilities; (4) green capabilities; (5) innovation capabilities; (6) knowledge development; (7) organizational innovations; (8) financial resources; (9) investment in tangible assets. Meanwhile, the determinants are distinguished at the meso-level: (1) competitive pressure; (2) customer and provider pressure; (3) external knowledge cooperation; (4) social pressure; (5) voluntary agreements. Finally, the determinants are disclosed at the macro-level: (1) government subsidies; (2) current or future regulation. Second, the study provides insights on the determinants of energy efficient innovation and sets an agenda for future research. The study demonstrates the need for further investigations on the drivers of energy efficient innovation as compared to general eco-innovation.

Highlights

The improvement of energy efficiency and companies’ involvement in the development of energy efficient innovations are essential for balancing energy needs and sustainable development [1]
The research question is formulated as follows: what are the antecedents and motivations behind the generation and adoption of energy efficient innovation? we focus on the determinants of energy efficient innovation, which is defined as “innovation that reduces the use of energy and/or materials” (Rennings and Rammer [17]; Ghisetti and Rennings [4])
Given that energy efficient innovation is investigated as a specific subset of eco-innovation [1,17,18,19], the search was not limited to a certain publication year

Summary

Introduction

The improvement of energy efficiency and companies’ involvement in the development of energy efficient innovations are essential for balancing energy needs and sustainable development [1]. The reduction of energy consumption can address environmental problems [3] and lower production costs by reducing materials and/or energy costs and costs related to compliance with regulations. These actions exert a positive and significant effect on the profitability and competitive advantage of firms [4,5]. Energy efficient innovations are essential for a green economy [1] and for energy intense industries, which account for a significant part of the world’s resource and energy consumption [5]. Energy efficient innovations create a positive environmental effect through resource savings [11]

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