The Mediating Role of Firm Strategy in the Relationship between Green Entrepreneurship, Green Innovation, and Competitive Advantage: The Case of Medium and Large-Sized Firms in Greece

Michalis Skordoulis,Stamatiοs Ntanos,Garyfallos Arabatzis,Spyros Galatsidas,Grigorios Kyriakopoulos,Petros Kalantonis,Miltiadis Chalikias

doi:10.3390/su14063286

Abstract

The present research examines both the relationship between green innovation and green entrepreneurship and the mediating role of firm strategies in the relationship between green entrepreneurship, green innovation, and competitive advantage. A total of 225 managers responsible for the environmental strategy of medium and large-sized firms operating in Greece were used as a sample for the study. To measure the research variables, a structured questionnaire was used. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inductive statistics, including principal components analysis, correlation analysis, a multivariate generalized linear model, and a structural equations model. The empirical results indicate a positive influence of green entrepreneurship in green product innovation and green process innovation. Furthermore, the mediating role of firm strategies in the relationship between green entrepreneurship, green innovation, and competitive advantage is confirmed.

Highlights

The present study aims to examine both the relationship between green entrepreneurship and green innovation and the relationship between green entrepreneurship, green innovation, and competitive advantage, taking into consideration the mediating role of firms’ strategies
This research aimed to investigate the relationship between green entrepreneurship and green innovation, and to explore the mediating role of firm strategy to the relationship between green entrepreneurship, green innovation, and competitive advantage
The research focused on the concepts of green entrepreneurship, green innovation, and competitive advantage

Summary

Introduction

Environmental concerns of climate change have been globally intensified [1–3], as its disastrous consequences are overwhelming and reported in almost every region in the world [4,5]. In response to the need for environmentally sustainable growth, firms face constant pressures to care about the natural environment by taking proactive measures against environmental degradation and natural resources depletion [6]. In this context, green entrepreneurship and green innovation are considered critical factors for firms’ operation [2,7]. Green entrepreneurship and green innovation are considered critical factors for firms’ operation [2,7] Such strategies can support the development of new products and services that offer environmental benefits. These environmental benefits may include energy savings, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, water savings, improved recycling, and limitation of environmental pollution. Green entrepreneurship and green innovation are considered to positively impact firms’ productivity and to support their ability to develop a competitive advantage [6,7]

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