Types Of Eco-innovation Research Articles

Eco-innovation and SMEs’ sustainable performance: a meta-analysis

PurposeThe study aims to build upon the Resource-based view of the firm (RBV) and Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT) to perform a meta-analysis on the eco-innovation/SMEs’ sustainable performance relationship.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a psychometric meta-analytic approach with a random-effects model, the study examines a sample of 134,841 SMEs covering 99 studies and 233 study effects. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were used to test the study`s hypotheses in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) statistical software.FindingsResults unveil that the average impact of eco-innovation on SMEs` sustainable performance is positively significant but moderate. Moreover, it was found that eco-process, eco-product, eco-organizational, and eco-marketing innovations positively influence SMEs’ sustainable performance, but the impact of eco-organizational innovation is the strongest. Findings further reveal that eco-innovation positively influences economic, social, and environmental performance, but its effect on social performance is the largest. Moreover, our findings reveal that contextual factors, including industry type, culture, industry intensity, global sustainable competitive index, and human development index, moderate the eco-innovation/SMEs’ sustainable performance relationship. Lastly, methodological factors, namely sampling technique, study type, and publication status, account for study-study variance.Practical implicationsOur findings imply that investing in eco-innovation is worthwhile for SMEs. Therefore, CEOs/managers of SMEs must adopt eco-innovation initiatives by establishing a sustainability vision, developing employee environmental development and training, building a stakeholder management system, and promoting employee engagement in sustainability activities.Originality/valueThe study develops a holistic conceptual framework to consolidate the distinct types of eco-innovation and their association with the sustainable performance of SMEs for the first time in this research stream, thereby resolving the anecdotal results and synthesizing the fragmented literature across culture, discipline, and contexts.

Does eco-innovation stimulate employment? The case of Spanish manufacturing firms

The demand for eco-products due to the exigency of friendly and environmental production could affect the employment of the firms. This paper tests whether product and process eco-innovations boost employment in Spain differentiating by the environmental goals (material and energy efficiency and environment responsiveness), by the level of qualification of the workers, and by the dirtiness of the industries. We apply a Green Harrison model, using the Technological Innovation Panel (PITEC) for Spain from 2008 to 2016. Results show a positive relationship between all types of product eco-innovations and employment, while the influence of process eco-innovations on employment depends on the environmental goals, the level of skills, and the industry. Specifically, distinguishing by industry there is a labour-saving effect in clean industries and a labour-friendly effect for low-skilled employment in dirty industries.

The ambiguous effects of eco-innovations: a systematic literature review

While eco-innovations can help organisations comply with external stakeholders' expectations, they can also lead to unwanted or unexpected effects. This paper aims to explore business management literature addressing the ambiguous effects of eco-innovation. The methods used included a systematic literature review (SLR) in the Scopus and WoS databases and bibliographic techniques. By critically analysing 53 papers, the study identifies four clusters where negative or ambiguous effects of eco-innovations appear: financial, environmental, social and operational performance. The results indicate that strategic eco‐innovation had a significantly adverse impact on corporate financing, caused a decrease in employment, and created tensions for employees. Moreover, the bearing of eco-managerial innovations (eco-design) on performance was not significant. We contribute to the literature by suggesting that eco-innovation does not always generate the expected benefits. What is more, different types of eco-innovation can generate contrasting effects for the organisation and may occur at different times.

Eco-Innovation, Reducing Carbon Emission and its Impact on Firm Performance (Case Study in Pt Semen Indonesia)

Objective: This research was conducted at PT Semen Indonesia Gresik aims to determine the extent of the application of eco-innovation in the company and the extent of the role of management in implementing eco-innovation. This study wants to find out whether the application of eco-innovation carried out at PT Semen Indonesia is able to reduce carbon emissions which is the government's commitment to reduce carbon emissions to the level of 29% by the end 2030. Theoritical Framework: The impact of environmental degradation and environmental externalities becomes a concentration of attention on social issues that encourage companies to pay attention to their business practices and find solutions to the impacts the environment it causes. Resource-Based View Theory (RBV) is a managerial framework used to define strategic resources with the potential to provide a comparative advantage to company. These resources can be leveraged by companies to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Innovation theory addresses a number of innovation policies and measurement issues such as why companies innovate, what forces drive innovation and what factors hinder it. Related issues are the internal functioning of the company and the types of business practices used to promote innovation. Method: This research uses a qualitative approach inspired by research of Horbach (2008) and Triguero et al. (2013), which proposes three types of eco-innovation: eco-process, eco-product, and eco-innovation organization, but in this study using four types of eco- Innovations as listed in the Oslo manual developed by the Organization for Economic and Cooperative Development (OECD) are: eco-innovation organizations, eco-innovation products, eco-process innovation, and eco-marketing innovation. Data collection techniques carried out in this study include interviews, observations, documentation studies on emission reports and sustainability reports. The data were analyzed by case study research process stated by Creswel (2007). Findings: PT Semen Indonesia has implemented various programs in the context of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, namely through several programs, namely: (1) Diversification of blended cement products use of clinker which will reduce the emission of CO2 gas (carbondioxide) produced; (2) Utilization of alternative fuels using biomass products, also processing municipal waste into alternative fuel at the Ngipik Gresik landfill; (3) Utilization of flue heat gas operations as power plants which has been implemented at the Tuban plant and is able to reduce CO2 by 130,000 tons per year; (4) Upgrade/Improve equipment (high efficiency tech) Implications: This research has implications that the application of eco-innovation will be able to reduce carbon emissions, which is the Indonesian Government's commitment to reduce carbon emissions by the end of 2030.

Exploring the impact of collaboration on eco-innovation in SMEs: a contribution to the business modes of innovation framework

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to investigate how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can effectively collaborate for eco-innovation using the business modes of innovation framework to emphasise three types of collaboration: “science, technology, and innovation” (STI), “learning by doing, using, and interacting” (DUI)-Vertical and DUI-Horizontal.Design/methodology/approachThis analysis uses data from 838 SMEs in the Basque Country (2018–2020) to evaluate the effects of the three types of collaboration on eco-innovation. The authors employ a propensity score-based method to address potential bias associated with endogeneity in innovation studies.FindingsThe findings suggest that DUI-Vertical collaboration has a positive relationship with the development of product, process and marketing eco-innovation. Furthermore, DUI-horizontal collaboration is the most effective collaboration mode for SMEs, positively impacting their overall eco-innovation portfolio. Finally, STI collaboration is positively associated with product eco-innovation.Practical implicationsPolicymakers should support SMEs by designing programmes that facilitate collaboration between competing firms to stimulate eco-innovation, but potential challenges of coopetition must be addressed. Rather than a generic, one-size-fit-all approach, SMEs' managers should identify the most appropriate partners corresponding to their specific eco-innovation goal, ensuring a more effective and targeted. Collaboration between science partners and SMEs should be reinforced by approximating the SMEs' needs more effectively.Originality/valueThis study contributes twofold. Firstly, the authors investigate whether the STI and DUI modes of innovation are determinant factors in the introduction of various types of eco-innovation. Secondly, the authors contribute to the literature on business modes of innovation by differentiating between DUI-Vertical (i.e. suppliers, customers and consultancy) and DUI-Horizontal (i.e. competitors) collaboration, thus highlighting the complexity of DUI collaboration forms.

Eco-innovation Types Adoption in Mexican Small and Medium Firms

The debate on eco-innovation is a relatively recent and emerging topic in the literature, and although it is gaining interest among cientific, academic, and enterprise community, and the analysis and discussion in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises is in an embryonic stage, especially in emerging economy countries, such as Mexico. In this sense, the objective of this research is to analyze the most important eco-innovation types that affect eco-innovation adoption in manufacturing SMEs. The results obtained follow that product eco-innovation, process eco-innovation and management eco-innovation are good eco-innovation types adoption of small and medium-sized companies in the automotive industry.

EVALUACIÓN DE LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE ECO-INNOVACIONES EN SISTEMAS DE PRODUCCIÓN DE LECHE EN PEQUEÑA ESCALA

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Eco-innovation (EI) involves new goods and services that reduce negative environmental impacts. In small-scale dairy systems (SCDS) the adoption of innovations is low, this has been associated with the lack of extension services, so its evaluation is needed to improve the services. <strong>Objective.</strong> To identify and to evaluate the implementation process of four EI in SCDS. <strong>Methodology.</strong> The research was conducted in the Municipality of Aculco, State of Mexico. Twenty-one small-scale dairy farmers with a maximum herd size of 35 cows were selected. A questionnaire was applied to collect information about the concept of EI, time of use, diffusion and acquisition, changes for implementation, limitations and motivations, disuse and suggestions. The information was analyzed by frequencies and percentages. Four groups were formed according to the type of EI (bio-digester, solar heater, water collection, and solar cells), and the implementation process of each one was described. The evaluation of three technology phases (communication, transfer and adoption) and their stages was proposed using a five-point Likert scale for each EI. Differences between groups were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test (<em>P</em><0.05). <strong>Results.</strong> None of the farmers knew the term <em>eco-innovation</em>, 67% found out about the EI implemented by acquaintances, 76% required financial support, 86% were motivated by economic savings, and 62% mentioned ignorance as the main limitation. The implementation process was different for all four EI, and there were significant differences in their dissemination, information, accessibility, training, appropriation, and recommendation. <strong>Implications.</strong> The evaluation proposal to implement EI can be applied to several technologies and contexts because it considers common stages, although each innovation has its own process. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> It is concluded that the knowledge of the EI implementation process and the perception of it allows to identify improvements for the adoption of useful innovations in the SCDS.</p>

Eco-innovation influence on business performance in Jordanian micro, small and medium enterprises operating in the food processing sector.

Innovative performance is a fundamental asset for building competitive advantage of micro, small and medium enterprises MSMEs. This research empirically examines the direct and indirect relationship between eco-innovation and business performance in Jordanian MSMEs enterprises working in the food processing sector. This research draws on the resource-based view theory to investigate the inter-relationships among three types of eco-innovation (process, product, organizational) and their relative impact on business performance. Furthermore, the researchers used structural equation modelling of 86 samples collected from Jordanian MSMEs operating in the food processing sector. The major contribution of this research is providing a holistic view that explains the inter-relationship among eco-process, eco-product, and eco-organizational innovation. The research reveals the impact of eco-innovation variables on business performance. The greatest is the impact of eco-process on business performance followed by eco-product and eco-organizational respectively. Regarding the effect of eco-organizational and eco-process innovation on eco-product, the findings of the study showed that the greatest is the effect of eco-organizational followed by eco-process. According to the post hoc, the mean differences show that there is statically significant difference in the responses of the respondents towards eco- process regarding different organization age.

Eco-innovation of food processing and manufacturing SMEs

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of green shared vision (GSV) and green knowledge sharing (GKS) on eco-innovation types and further investigates the impact of these types on sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) and sustainable business performance (SBP) within the food manufacturing and food processing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of a developing country.Design/methodology/approachPartial least square structural equation modeling technique was used to test the hypotheses. Simple random sampling was used, and data were collected from 312 owners/managers of food manufacturing and processing SMEs.FindingsThe results reveal a significant positive relationship between GSV, GKS and eco-innovation types. Furthermore, it was revealed that all three types of eco-innovation are significantly related to SCA and SBP.Practical implicationsThe results of this research will assist food manufacturing and food processing SMEs in reducing their eco-footprint to gain SCA and SBP. Furthermore, policymakers and governing bodies may implement strong regulations to curtail eco-pollution.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that incorporates the concept of eco-innovation in food processing and food manufacturing SMEs of a developing country in the light of the natural resource orchestration theory.

A Taxonomy of Eco-Innovation Types in Firms

A Taxonomy of Eco-Innovation Types in Firms

Creating a Competitive Advantage for Micro and Small Enterprises Based on Eco-Innovation as a Determinant of the Energy Efficiency of the Economy

The aim of this analysis is to identify the possibility of treating eco-innovation in micro and small enterprises as a factor influencing the energy efficiency of the economy. In order to obtain an answer to such a research question, quantitative research was carried out among Polish enterprises from the SME sector (N = 400). Accordingly, the CATI technique was applied. The selection of enterprises was random and took place in the non-returnable drawing process. The criterion for selecting the sample was the size of enterprises, but in order to ensure the possibility of drawing conclusions based on a sufficiently large research sample, its structure (300 micro and 100 small enterprises) assumed the study of small enterprises in a proportion greater than their actual share in the population of enterprises. As a result of this research, the existence of a relationship between the improvement of the company’s competitive position and its activity in the field of eco-innovation implementation was confirmed. It is shown that the behavior and attitudes of entrepreneurs largely determine the very decisions regarding the use of specific types of eco-innovation, as well as the areas in which they brought about changes influencing the improvement of the competitive position of the surveyed companies. Differences in these decisions can be observed in micro and small companies. This article justifies the notion that the impact of the scale of micro and small companies is important in shaping the energy efficiency of the economy.

Linking Eco-Innovation and Circular Economy—A Conceptual Approach

The socio-economic transformations taking place nowadays bring about the necessity to transform the currently dominating linear paradigm of economic growth. The basis for such a transformation is, first of all, the implementation of sustainable systems of production and consumption, so that they evolve into companies implementing the assumptions of a closed-circle economy. Although the concept of such an economy has been widely accepted by both researchers and practitioners, there is still a lack of thorough recognition of the determinants of its application at the organizational level. Attempting to fill this research gap, this paper addresses the conceptual link between companies’ eco-innovation activities and the CE paradigm. It attempts to assess the importance of eco-innovation, both technological and nontechnological in nature, as determinants of the implementation of the concept of a closed-loop economy. The prospects for the implementation of a closed-loop economy are described, then the concepts and types of eco-innovation are organized, and finally the role of eco-innovation as a catalyst for the implementation of the CE concept is explained. The article also indicates the most important management practices, understood as strategic actions necessary in the process of generating and implementing innovations leading to the realization of the idea of reverse material flows. As a consequence of the discussion, the proposition suggested herein is to develop the existing circular business models by taking into account the eco-innovative activities of enterprises. The article is also an attempt to start a discussion on the category of open eco-innovations and to popularize the practice of open access to eco-innovations.

Linking external collaborations, eco-innovation and sustainable growth. An empirical analysis on the Italian manufacturing firms

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the relationships between eco-innovation and business performance by exploring the role of external collaborations as a potential factor explaining the persisting heterogeneity of economic effects of eco-innovation. Basing on a large survey of 3,000 Italian manufacturing firms, the study investigates to what extent collaborations with supply chain and quadruple helix actors, including public institutions, universities and civil society, contribute in sustaining firm’s growth by improving the effectiveness of different types of eco-innovations. We find that the relationship between eco-innovation and business performance is moderated by both supply-chain and quadruple helix collaborations. However, external collaborations with actors of the quadruple helix show a pronounced heterogeneity. While process eco-innovation may in particular benefit from establishing collaborations with public institutions, product eco-innovation relies more on interactions with civil society suggesting that market-driven factors still exert a main role in influencing the market success of this type of eco-innovation.

Environmental networks and employment creation: Evidence from Italy

The main object of this paper is to investigate the impact of environment-related networks (or eco-networks), which we interpret as a type of open eco-innovation, on employment. We exploit information from an original dataset which reveals collaboration among Italian enterprises that have signed business network agreements (BNAs), a policy instrument that was first introduced in 2009, and started in 2010, to strengthen the innovation and competitiveness of Italian firms. The results of the empirical analysis suggest that the intensity in the use of networks positively affects employment and that the marginal impact of increasing the intensity of BNAs in eco-networks on employment is larger than in other network. This is partly due to the fact that eco-networks rely more often on market strategies which are linked to product innovation. Finally, the sectoral heterogeneity of networks seems to be beneficial for employment creation, with a larger marginal effect for eco-networks than other networks. These results suggest that two important goals, environmental sustainability and employment creation, can be reconciled by means of flexible policy instruments that encourage open innovation and the sharing of knowledge and resources among firms.

Environmental innovation across SMEs in Europe

This paper focuses on the relation between business innovation modes and environmental innovation. Over time firms have recognized the importance of prioritizing innovation to gain competitive advantages in open markets. Yet, in more recent times with the more recent international agreements on environmental sustainability (rounds in Doha in 2004; Copenhagen in 2009; Paris in 2016; and Glasgow in 2021), innovation needs to be guided through new boundaries and requirements that individual businesses and the business system as a whole face. One of these boundaries is nature and its resources which require significant protection as part of the international priority agenda on climate change agreed by most countries with the 2016 Paris Agreement on the Environment and recently confirmed with COP26. As firms are found to adopt alternative archetypical strategies of innovation, some science-driven (STI innovation mode) and others practice-driven (DUI innovation mode), we investigate whether any of these strategic modes is beneficial in relation to the capacity of the firms to produce eco-innovations, and which one is more beneficial in relation to which type of eco-innovation (e.g. technological and non-technological innovation). This analysis is seen in relation to the size of the firms as SMEs typically rely on practice and interactive-based innovation activities (DUI mode). This may help design environment protection-orientated policies that focus on specific drivers, thus making policy action efficient and effective. The analysis is based on the Community Innovation Survey (CIS) database for European countries. Our findings support the view that both STI and DUI drivers support eco-innovation through technological nuances that work also in the specific case of SME environmental innovation.

Exports and outward FDI as drivers of eco-innovations. An analysis based on Spanish manufacturing firms

The literature about the drivers of eco-innovation has pointed out the importance of internationalization processes. This study explores the relationship between two international strategies -Exports and Outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)- over eco-innovations differentiating by type of innovation (product and process) and the degree of novelty (radical and incremental). We use a sample of Spanish Manufacturing firms, applying GMM estimations in the period 2008–2016. Results show different effects of learning by internationalization depending on the mode of internationalization and the type of eco-innovation. Specifically, effects of outward FDI for the different types of eco-innovations are lower and take longer to materialize in eco-innovations than exports effects.

End-of-pipe and cleaner production technologies. Do policy instruments and organizational capabilities matter? Evidence from Spanish firms

This paper focuses on the drivers of green technology adoption. We distinguish between end-of-pipe and cleaner production technologies aimed at either pollution mitigation or energy efficiency, respectively. We provide empirical evidence of the relations between existing policy instruments, organizational capabilities of firms and the adoption of different types of green technologies. We use a unique firm level panel dataset of 2562 Spanish manufacturing firms from 2008 to 2014 to carry out the empirical analysis. Our results show, first, that policy instruments drive adoption of green innovation more than organizational capabilities. Second, environmental taxation seems to be ineffective at stimulating the adoption of eco-innovation. Third, both investment subsidies and tax credits do imply higher levels of investments in green technologies. Tax incentives seem to mostly foster cleaner production technologies, while subsidies are used to finance all types of eco-innovations. Fourth, human resources as green employees are positively related with environmental investments. Finally, dynamic capabilities as the introduction of environmental management systems are correlated particularly with cleaner production investments oriented to reduce energy consumption.

Technological and non-technological trends in fashion eco-innovations

PurposeThe fashion industry is diverse and demands a high amount of resources and labor for its operation. It has powerful tools that can positively impact the environment and society as a whole. In this sense, it becomes necessary for fashion to adopt sustainable strategies quickly. One way would be the adoption of eco-innovations by companies in the sector. The objective of this research is to identify the main eco-innovation initiatives carried out by companies in the fashion sector and to verify what the trend is in the sector in relation to the types of eco-innovation, whether technological or non-technological in nature.Design/methodology/approachTo meet the objective, the sector’s sustainability reports are analyzed based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) initiative. The method used to treat the data is content analysis. The authors chose to use the GRI-G4 and GRI-Standards versions of the GRI structure, as they include topics relevant to its stakeholders. The analysis based on these criteria considers 18 reports prepared by four companies (Cia Hering, Grupo Malwee, Dudalina and Lojas Renner).FindingsFrom the data analysis, it was noticed that eco-innovations of technological trends prevail in Brazilian fashion, in the first place, those of process (24.56%), followed by eco-innovations of product (10.53%). The pressure exerted by internal or external stakeholders will be fueled by the current scenario of sustainable development, positively influencing the adoption of eco-innovation. This characteristic can be attributed to the fashion sector, since technological eco-innovations overlap with non-technological ones in all the years that make up the analysis.Research limitations/implicationsAs limitations of this research, it is worth mentioning the availability of GRIs in the fashion sector. Even considering it a step forward, noting that larger companies support the adoption of these reports, it is important to highlight that only four companies make up the available database (Cia Hering, Lojas Renner, Dudalina and Malwee). From the adoption of the dissemination of sustainability reports by other organizations, the base could be expanded.Practical implicationsFrom this study, practical questions emerge that can contribute to managers and companies in the Brazilian fashion sector. Initially, the focus on eco-innovations is predominantly related to the technological component, with an emphasis on process eco-innovations. In this sense, business actions seek to resolve the accusations normally attributed to the sector, such as the adoption of unsustainable practices. For example, in cotton production, firms use large amounts of pesticides and water, despite the sector being accused of not taking proper responsibility regarding sustainability related issues.Social implicationsInvestment in eco-innovations indicates a positive attitude and change resulting from pressure and the need to return the market to society’s demands for more sustainable production technologies with less environmental impact.Originality/valueThe originality of the study lies in the systematization of a GRI analysis model applied to measure eco-innovations in fashion. Through the applied methodology, it is possible to emphasize that eco-innovations of technological trend prevail in the industry, first in processes and then in product development.

Drivers of multiple eco-innovation and the impact on sustainable competitive advantage: evidence from manufacturing SMEs in Egypt

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the drivers of three main eco-innovation types within the manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt, as well as to examine the impact of these types in sustaining competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe positivist methodological paradigm is adopted in this study, with 183 valid questionnaires collected from the owners and executives of manufacturing SMEs. The SmartPLS has been used to analyse the data.FindingsResults show that internal drivers (organisational capabilities, absorptive capacity and strategically environmental orientation) affect eco-innovation types. External drivers (regulation, eco-friendly products demand and competitive advantage) do not significantly affect eco-innovation types. The results also reveal that both eco-organisational and eco-process innovations significantly affect sustainable competitive advantage.Practical implicationsThis study has presented valuable insights for owners and executives of SMEs and policymakers in the business and manufacturing industry.Originality/valueThis study has presented valuable insights for literature on eco-innovation, owners and executives of SMEs and policymakers manufacturing industry to depth-understanding of drivers of eco-innovation types. in addition, the role of eco-innovation types in sustaining competitive advantage for SMEs has been a significant contribution to eco-innovation literature.

Drivers of eco-innovation in developing countries: the case of Chilean firms

Despite the growing literature on the drivers of eco-innovation, few studies analyze it in developing countries. Therefore, to fill this gap, this paper aims to analyze the influence of different groups of drivers of eco-innovation (technology push, market pull and regulatory push-pull) on two types of eco-innovations: Resources Efficiency and Sustainable Sensitiveness, differentiating between varieties of innovation -product and process- and between the novelty degree- incremental and radical-. The empirical analysis is built using multivariate probit models and considering a sample of Chilean firms in the period 2009-2016. Results show a displacement of open innovation drivers when a developing country is analyzed; Collaboration with Partners, Alliances and Networks, along with the Non R&D Embedded are predominant technological push strategies in this analysis. Furthermore, Market factors would have a driving effect on eco-innovations, while the Public Support is weakly significant.