Abstract
Transition to a low-carbon, energy-efficient economy presents an opportunity to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of manufacturing firms. The integration of energy-efficiency solutions into products resembles the concept of servitization that is now a lever for product competitiveness and, in turn, business performance. Based on empirical data from 293 manufacturers of electrical equipment or machinery and equipment, this paper analyzes the relation between energy-efficiency servitization capacity and performance using two structural equation models. To test the mediating role of servitization capacity, the first model uses strategic analysis of competitive structure to predict business performance, while the second model uses knowledge of the regulatory framework. Results suggest that both strategic analysis of competitive structure and knowledge of the regulatory framework positively influence performance via improving servitization capacity. With demand for new energy-efficient products expected to increase, products with a reduced energy footprint and energy-management services are needed for industrial processes to contribute to decarbonizing the economy.
Highlights
Introduction2030, necessary actions must be considered in all sectors, including an increase in industrial energy efficiency
To achieve environmental goals such as limiting global warming to well below 2 ◦ C by2030, necessary actions must be considered in all sectors, including an increase in industrial energy efficiency
Since mediation involves a mediator variable intervening between two other related constructs [13], this study examines two hypotheses to test whether servitization significantly mediates the relationships of both strategic analysis level and knowledge of the business regulatory framework with performance
Summary
2030, necessary actions must be considered in all sectors, including an increase in industrial energy efficiency. The efficient use of energy has become a lever for transforming industrial processes, and this will ensure increasing demand for new energy-efficient products. For this reason, products with a reduced energy footprint and energy-management services are needed to enhance the energy efficiency of industrial processes. As the energy-efficient products that drive the development of a low-carbon economy are usually more expensive [1], it is important to understand if and to what extent manufacturers consider the integration of energy-saving characteristics in products a valuable strategy [2] and to examine the effects on performance [3]. Energy-efficient products are an investment given that savings can offset the initial price premium on energy efficient options, and offer a noteworthy return in comparison to non-efficient alternatives
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