Knowledge and Technology Transfer Influencing the Process of Innovation in Green Supply Chain Management: A Multicriteria Model Based on the DEMATEL Method

Marcela Marçal Alves Pinto,Rui Tadashi Yoshino,João Luiz Kovaleski,Regina Negri Pagani

doi:10.3390/su11123485

Marcela Marçal Alves Pinto, Rui Tadashi Yoshino + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123485

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Jun 25, 2019
Citations: 22	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná

Abstract

After performing a systematic review of the literature, it was noticeable that the discussion regarding Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) along with Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) and Innovation is scarce. To address this issue, the objective of this paper is to analyze the relationship between GSCM, KTT, and Innovation. To achieve this purpose, we developed a conceptual framework based on the literature review, which raised some hypotheses. In order to verify the hypotheses and validate the framework, we designed a multicriteria model called the KTT-GSCM Multicriteria Model, composed of two stages. The first stage describes factors that are relevant to GSCM, KTT, and Innovation, ascertaining which ones have influence over the others and which ones are influenced by the others, through the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The second stage of the model analyzes the level of each perspective in each company and in the supply chain as a whole, thus verifying the hypotheses. This model was applied in 13 firms of a supply chain that has a rotomolding firm as a focal company. Through the development and application of the model, it was possible to verify the hypotheses raised and conclude that the perspectives of GSCM, KTT, and Innovation are, in fact, influenced by one another and that both Innovation and KTT promote greater development in GSCM.

Highlights

A strategic way of addressing the global context of new production trends is based on the adoption of the best managerial practices regarding supply chains (SCs), addressing sustainability issues [1]
The literature review revealed that the discussion on Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) along with Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) and Innovation is inexistent, as are the frameworks and/or models related to the theme
We created a conceptual framework in which KTT and Innovation help to better develop a Green supply chains (GSCs)

Summary

Introduction

A strategic way of addressing the global context of new production trends is based on the adoption of the best managerial practices regarding supply chains (SCs), addressing sustainability issues [1]. GSCM can be defined as ‘the sum of green purchasing [3], green manufacturing, green materials management, green distribution and marketing, green reverse logistics [4], green product design [5], and green collaboration with customers [6–8]. According to Srivastava [5], the scope of GSCM ranges from the reactive monitoring of general environmental management programs to more proactive practices implemented through various Rs (Reduce, Re-use, Rework, Refurbish, Reclaim, Recycle, Remanufacture, Reverse logistics, etc.). GSCM aims to adopt a life cycle method (i.e., product design, material selection, manufacturing, and sales and recovery) to maximize overall environmental profit [9], which helps the organization to achieve its ecological growth and development [10]. According to Lam et al [11], GSCM exposes “the applications of the most important sustainable development issues demonstrates how green technologies and practices can be implemented and, in line with this, the motivation of saving money and increasing efficiency”

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