Sustainable Innovation Research Articles

The green Fintech paradox: understanding the dynamics of green brand positioning and user decision-making in the digital financial landscape

Purpose The ever-evolving landscape of financial technology (Fintech) has revolutionised payment methods and raised questions about what drives user behaviour in adopting these innovative solutions. This study, using narrative transportation theory as an underpinning theory, aims to investigate into the dynamics of green user behaviour in adopting Fintech payments. Design/methodology/approach This study used a deductive approach, and with data obtained from 635 respondents through the purposive sampling technique, partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed to yield significant insights. Findings The study found a positive association between green brand positioning and product differentiation. However, it unexpectedly didn't impact user attitudes towards Fintech payments. Green brand image and perceived performance positively influenced product differentiation. Perceived product differentiation fully mediated the association between green brand positioning and user attitudes. The study introduced fear of missing out's (FOMO) moderating role, enriching eco-conscious marketing insights and user behaviour understanding. Research limitations/implications This study reveals crucial implications for marketers, policymakers and user experience (UX) designers operating within the Fintech industry. It emphasises green brand positioning's impact on product differentiation, user attitudes and its mediating role. It advocates for sustainability integration, innovation, strategic messaging and user-centric improvements to optimise user perceptions and competitiveness in the evolving Fintech landscape. The study's cross-sectional design may limit the ability to establish causal relationships over time and overlook temporal changes in green Fintech adoption dynamics; thus, longitudinal studies are warranted to better understand the evolving nature of user attitudes and behaviours towards green Fintech payments. Originality/value This study adds novelty to the existing body of literature by introducing the dimension of innovation appeal to green brand positioning and employing narrative transportation theory in the Fintech realm. The findings also add novelty by highlighting the moderating impact of fear of missing out in predicting the association between green brand positioning and product differentiation in the realm of green Fintech and green use behaviour.

Changing Constellations of Hybridity Through the Phases of Sustainable Business Model Innovation

Changing Constellations of Hybridity Through the Phases of Sustainable Business Model Innovation

Planning Strategies for Slum Improvement in Bathinda City

Slum improvement is a critical challenge faced by urban planners and policy-makers globally as burgeoning urban population outstrips the capacity of cities to provide adequate housing and services. This paper explores comprehensive strategies for the improvement of slums focusing on sustainable development, community involvement and policy innovation. By analyzing successful case studies from diverse urban contexts, the paper identifies key elements that contributes to effective slum upgrading including secure land tenure, provision of basic services, economic opportunities and participatory planning process. The research highlights the importance of integrating slum communities into the broader urban framework to ensure social equity and economic inclusiveness. Recommendations are provided for policymakers and urban planners on designing and implementing holistic slum improvement programs that can adapt to the unique needs of each community, fostering resilience and sustainable urban growth. This study also involves finding locational attributes of slums and assessment of present status of slums. The study is focused on the Bathinda Municipal Corporation and information for the analysis is culled from secondary sources. Slums in Bathinda tend to cluster around undeveloped regions, empty lots, and water features (such as the Sarhind canal) and other forms of urban sprawl. As they find it the most suitable and safe place to live. They settle near industrial areas because of their work. The vast majority of slum inhabitants own property and live in permanent residences. However, the actual causes of the difficulties include substantial property prices and a lack of critical amenities such as drainage, sewage, water supply, and solid waste disposal. Furthermore, in the informal home supply sector, there is insufficient land accessible to the poor in Bathinda.

Understanding Supply Chain Orchestration Mechanisms to Achieve Sustainability-Oriented Innovation

Understanding Supply Chain Orchestration Mechanisms to Achieve Sustainability-Oriented Innovation

Context-Driven Innovation Ecosystem: The Environmentally Sustainable Innovation of Power Battery

Context-Driven Innovation Ecosystem: The Environmentally Sustainable Innovation of Power Battery

Digital Economy and Its Impact on Sustainable Business Practices: An Analytical Study in the Chinese Context

This research investigates integrating the digital economy with sustainable business practices in China, focusing on the dynamic nature of digital technology adoption and environmental sustainability within Chinese enterprises. The study aims to recommend effective strategies for enhancing sustainable innovation through digitalization, providing guidance for policymakers, corporate leaders, and managers. By selecting a sample of firms from 2008 to 2022, including data from companies listed on the stock exchange and detailed patent information, the study employs zero-inflated negative binomial regression to address the peculiarities of patent counts accurately. This method avoids the assumptions of linearity of dependent variables and normality of residuals common in many empirical innovation studies. The research confirms a positive relationship between digital adoption and green patents. Notably, there is a significant reduction in environmental outputs from firms operating in China’s 'Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone,' supporting the argument that policies promoting green innovation are effective. Additionally, the study identifies several key factors influencing the successful implementation of digital technologies and sustainability, including firm size, industry nature, and regional economic characteristics. These findings are crucial for policymakers and managers, emphasizing the importance of digitalization in achieving sustainability goals.

MME Crowdsourcing Sustainability Innovations

MME Crowdsourcing Sustainability Innovations

Competencias y capacidades organizacionales para una gestión efectiva de la innovación

Introduction / objective: Evaluating the effectiveness of innovation programmes, particularly in terms of their long-term impact on companies, is inherently complex. This study aims to develop a comprehensive measurement model that effectively captures the long-term innovation and sustainability outcomes of such programmes. By focusing on a broad spectrum of organisational competencies and capabilities, this model seeks to provide a holistic assessment of innovation effectiveness within participating companies. Methodology: To construct the measurement model, a thorough literature review was conducted. Relevant articles were analysed to identify patterns and themes, leading to the classification of essential dimensions, processes, tools, and indicators of organisational competencies and capabilities that are critical for fostering innovation. Results: The study proposes a reference model of organisational competencies, named the 8Cs, to evaluate companies’ innovation performance and potential. This model includes 27 indicators across key dimensions: Cognisance/Knowledge Management, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Innovation Capabilities, Collaboration, Innovative Culture, Change Management and Communication. Conclusions: The 8C model significantly enhances innovation management by providing a comprehensive assessment framework for companies’ innovation practices and their long-term impact. It highlights specific competencies and capabilities essential for sustained innovation and competitiveness, enabling companies to identify focus areas, assess innovation sustainability, and allocate resources effectively.

Fostering Sustainable Innovation and Hybrid Performance in Family Firms

Fostering Sustainable Innovation and Hybrid Performance in Family Firms

Dynamic Capabilities of Environmentally Sustainable Enterprises: An Exploratory Study

This article explores the shift towards environmentally sustainable innovation from a dynamic capabilities perspective, identifying key capabilities influencing sustainable enterprise development. Employing a multiple case study design, the study explores four sustainable enterprises. The findings reveal sensing capabilities driven by knowledge acquisition, an environmentally conscious mindset and market assessment. Seizing capabilities involve co-innovation, knowledge combination and network establishment. Reconfiguring capabilities encompass workforce and supply-chain restructuring. The research emphasizes the importance of dynamic capabilities in sustainable enterprise strategy, offering insights for practitioners and researchers. It underscores the significance of a holistic approach to value creation and continuous adaptation in sustainability. The study, focusing on micro-foundations in an emerging economy, provides unique insights into the dynamics of sustainable firms, contributing to a deeper understanding of their strategic foundations.

Sustainable innovation in the metaverse: Blockchain's role in new business models

This research aims to bridge a gap in the existing literature by investigating the role of the blockchain-based metaverse in fostering decentralized sustainable management, leveraging the principles of stakeholder capitalism theory. By conducting a content analysis of thirty-two expert reports from the blockchain-based metaverse industry, the study identifies five key attributes that can potentially cultivate innovation and decentralized sustainable management within the business domain. These attributes include a creator economy, a persistent synchronous virtual environment, decentralization, an interoperable network, and a digitalized mindset. The research underscores the need for stakeholders to adopt a sustainable approach when navigating the blockchain-based metaverse, highlighting the potential benefits achievable in a decentralized, hybrid physical-digital environment. This work stands as a pioneering effort in conceptualizing a theoretical framework that encapsulates decentralized sustainable management within the blockchain-based metaverse, underpinned by the principles of stakeholder capitalism. Thus, it contributes significantly to the academic discourse on the sustainable implications of blockchain technology in new business models.

Sustainable innovation: Economic valuation of wood waste for sustainable development at PT Wapoga Mutiara Industries

Background: This study describes the economic valuation of wood waste at PT Wapoga Mutiara Industries using the Market Price Approach to calculate the Total Economic Value (TEV) derived from utilising production waste. This research uses qualitative methods to explore how processed wood waste contributes economically to the company and the local community. Wood waste in industrial processes is often an underutilised asset. However, at PT Wapoga Mutiara Industries, innovative practices have turned this by-product into a significant economic opportunity. Method: This research investigated the direct use value of wood waste - mainly wood chips and sawdust - converted into local charcoal products, a resource increasingly recognized for its environmental and economic benefits. The research assessed the monthly economic impact of these waste products, measuring their market value to quantify the total benefits accruing to the local economy. Findings: The findings from this study are considerable, showing that wood chips alone contribute IDR 42,300,000 to the economy each month. Sawdust was processed in the same way, adding IDR 72,860,000 per month. Combined, these waste materials contribute a total direct use value of IDR 166,160,000 per month to the local economy, which on average provides a potential income of IDR 1,350,700 per person per month, suggesting there is significant economic potential from sustainable wood waste management practices. Conclusion: In addition, the study provides insight into the broader implications of such valuation practices, demonstrating that with the right innovations, what is often considered industrial waste can be re-evaluated as a viable economic resource. This aligns with the global shift towards more sustainable industrial processes, where waste minimisation and reuse contribute to environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and community well-being. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the economic valuation of wood waste in the processing industry, demonstrating the significant potential of innovative waste management practices. This research opens up new perspectives on how industrial 'waste' can be transformed into valuable economic resources, supporting environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities.

Employee innovation performance: Exploring non-standard service relationships, psychological contracts, and knowledge sharing in green manufacturing industry development

Background: In the context of organizational innovation frameworks, knowledge plays a crucial role in sparking new ideas and bolstering innovation capabilities. Insights gathered from various sources can act as a catalyst for generating fresh concepts and pushing boundaries. Moreover, the effectiveness of innovation within an organization can be influenced by factors like employee retention and strategies in human resource management, which can either enhance or hinder the correlation between knowledge accumulation and innovation outcomes. The employee innovation performance involves a series of tasks carried out by individuals who not only possess knowledge and skills but also demonstrate consistency, active involvement in decision-making, intrinsic motivation, and a flair for innovation. Objective: This study endeavors to provide valuable insights into how non-standard service relationships, psychological contracts, and knowledge sharing practices can collectively impact and drive innovation in the green manufacturing sector. Arrangement: In the investigation of employee innovation performance within the development of the green manufacturing industry, the focus will be on exploring non-standard service relationships, psychological contracts, and knowledge sharing. These three specific facets play a pivotal role in shaping the innovation landscape in organizations operating within the realm of sustainable manufacturing. The arrangement of this study will begin by examining the impact of non-standard service relationships on employee innovation performance. By dissecting unconventional service models and their correlation with innovation behaviors, we aim to uncover novel insights that can fuel sustainable innovation practices in the green manufacturing sector. Method: The study adopts a quantitative methodology to collect data, concentrating on a group of employees across eight distinct outsourcing firms. This selection results in a comprehensive sample of 299 participants. For the analysis and manipulation of the data, the research utilizes Sructural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) software. This choice facilitates a meticulous and structured analysis of the data gathered, ensuring precision in the research findings. Results: The research findings reveal a significant and positive influence of psychological contracts on the propensity for knowledge sharing among employees. This suggests that organizations that emphasize establishing strong psychological contracts are likely to nurture a work environment conducive to the free exchange of knowledge and ideas, thus promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Additionally, the data points to a noteworthy positive correlation between the act of knowledge sharing and the ability of an organization to offer unique, non-standard services. This underscores the role of knowledge sharing as a catalyst for innovation, indicating that organizations encouraging such exchanges are in a better position to innovate and provide services that adapt to the changing demands of customers and stakeholders. Conclusion: The research underscores the critical but nuanced role of knowledge sharing in driving employee innovation, especially when contrasted with its pronounced impact on developing non-standard services. It highlights the necessity for organizations to create environments conducive to the free exchange of ideas, fostering innovation. The findings also reveal the significant influence of innovative service offerings and strong psychological contracts on boosting employee creativity and service quality, respectively. For the green manufacturing sector, these insights stress the importance of robust psychological contracts and an innovation-centric culture. Emphasizing trust, open communication, and mutual respect, alongside strategies that promote innovation and recognize employee contributions, can elevate service quality, spur sustainable growth, and secure a competitive market position. This not only advances the organization but also supports wider environmental and sustainability objectives. Contribution: This research enriches the academic and practical understanding of how knowledge sharing, psychological contracts, and an innovation-driven culture can collectively bolster organizational performance, especially within the context of green manufacturing, thereby contributing to the sustainability and innovation discourse.

A Critical Review on Fostering Community Involvement in Sustainable Horticulture Initiatives

Community engagement and participation play pivotal roles in advancing sustainable horticultural development. This study explores the impact of community involvement in horticulture, emphasizing collaborative efforts that drive sustainable practices and innovation. Engaging communities in horticultural activities fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to improved environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices. Key strategies include participatory planning, local knowledge integration, and inclusive decision-making processes. These approaches enhance resource management, boost productivity, and ensure the long-term viability of horticultural projects. Furthermore, community participation in horticulture promotes social cohesion and empowers marginalized groups by providing economic opportunities and fostering resilience against climate change. This paper highlights successful case studies where community-driven horticultural initiatives have led to significant environmental and socio-economic benefits. The findings underscore the necessity of fostering strong community networks and partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations to support sustainable horticultural development. By actively involving community members in the planning and implementation stages, horticultural projects can be tailored to meet local needs and preferences, thereby enhancing their sustainability and effectiveness. This research advocates for policies that encourage community participation and provide the necessary support and resources for communities to actively engage in horticultural activities. In conclusion, community engagement is not merely an auxiliary component but a fundamental driver of sustainable horticultural development, essential for achieving environmental sustainability and social well-being.

Flavonoids: Antioxidant Powerhouses and Their Role in Nanomedicine.

This study emphasizes the critical role of antioxidants in protecting human health by counteracting the detrimental effects of oxidative stress induced by free radicals. Antioxidants-found in various forms such as vitamins, minerals, and the phytochemicals abundant in fruits and vegetables-neutralize free radicals by stabilizing them through electron donation. Specifically, flavonoid compounds are highlighted as robust defenders, addressing oxidative stress and inflammation to avert chronic illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. This research explores the bioactive potential of flavonoids, shedding light on their role not only in safeguarding health, but also in managing conditions such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review highlights the novel integration of South African-origin flavonoids with nanotechnology, presenting a cutting-edge strategy to improve drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes. This interdisciplinary approach, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary techniques, propels the exploration of flavonoid-mediated nanoparticles toward groundbreaking pharmaceutical applications, promising revolutionary advancements in healthcare. This collaborative synergy between traditional knowledge and modern science not only contributes to human health, but also underscores a significant step toward sustainable and impactful biomedical innovations, aligning with principles of environmental conservation.

Greening from within: the role of organisational purpose shift in building internal legitimacy for fossil fuel incumbents’ green innovation

ABSTRACT Green innovation that reduces harmful emissions and impacts on the natural environment is crucial in combatting the climate crisis. Yet, incumbents in carbon-intensive industries struggle with its development due to their lack of organisational commitment. We investigate how fossil fuel incumbents can overcome this obstacle and build internal legitimacy for green innovation. Through a longitudinal case study of a Norwegian oil major over 20 years, we highlight the important role of organisational purpose shift. We derive a process model of how fossil fuel incumbents can shift from a goal-based organisational purpose focused on profitability towards a duty-based purpose connected to sustainability-oriented values, building internal legitimacy for green innovation. Our study also demonstrates that organisational purpose shift, when only selectively and gradually realised, impedes full decarbonisation. We contribute to the literature on innovation studies by discussing how organisational purpose shift and internal legitimacy can enhance sustainable innovation in fossil fuel incumbents.

Sustainability, business strategy and innovation: a thematic literature review

Purpose Challenges related to sustainability have increasingly become pivotal in the realm of business strategy and innovation. Nevertheless, the incorporation of sustainability principles into business strategies and innovative practices remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. This paper aims to undertake a thematic literature review on this theme. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from the Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct databases. The final sample comprised 85 papers. For analytical purposes, this study adopted topic modeling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) methodology. Findings The authors identified five dominant topics concerning the relationship between sustainability, innovation and business strategy. Through a cross-analysis of these topics, the authors theorize that a sustainable innovation strategy encompasses three complementary and interdependent dimensions: capabilities, management and firm. Building on this analysis, the authors outline a research agenda aimed at further exploration and advancement of this theme. Practical implications This review enhances the synthesis of research on the theme, prompting reflections on how companies can initiate innovative sustainable actions that align with their business strategy. Additionally, the authors identify specific elements that require improvement to enhance each of the three dimensions of sustainable innovation strategies, such as eco-efficiency, circular economy and the adoption of innovative business models oriented toward services/servitization. Social implications By interweaving sustainability with innovation and business strategy, this study underscores the critical topics that companies and public policymakers should address to support sustainable development at the national level. Originality/value While previous literature reviews have focused on the dyadic relationships between sustainability and strategy, or sustainability and innovation, this study extends the boundaries of knowledge by integrating these three concepts into a hybrid theoretical stream.

WITHDRAWN: From Debris to Innovation: Unveiling a New Frontier for Alkali-Activated Materials

Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) play a crucial role in addressing the environmental challenges of traditional construction binders by offering a lower carbon footprint alternative. Industrial by-products are utilized, reducing waste and energy consumption associated with lime and cement production. AAMs represent a sustainable innovation in the construction industry, promising significant reductions in CO2 emissions and resource utilization. This review aims to meticulously analyze the existing body of research on the potential of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) as an alternative precursor for producing AAMs. This review study introduces a novel angle by critically evaluating advancements in CDW processing techniques for AAM production, alongside assessing the environmental and mechanical outcomes. It pioneers bridging the gap between innovative recycling methods and sustainable construction practices. The ultimate goal is to synthesize findings into a comprehensive framework to guide future research toward optimizing CDW utilization in AAM production, thereby contributing to sustainable construction practices and the circular economy. This study stands out for its in-depth examination of CDW's role in mitigating the environmental impact of conventional construction materials, offering novel insights into the path toward sustainability in the construction industry. By critically assessing the latest advancements in CDW processing techniques and their environmental and mechanical implications, the study not only underscores the potential of CDW in revolutionizing the construction industry but also sets a new precedent in sustainability research. It bridges the crucial gap between theoretical innovation and practical application, offering actionable insights for optimizing CDW utilization in AAM production. This comprehensive analysis signifies a pivotal step towards integrating sustainable practices within the construction sector, advocating for a paradigm shift towards a circular economy that prioritizes resource efficiency and environmental stewardship.

What characterizes strategy research in Latin America? A bibliometric analysis for the 1990–2023 period

Purpose This article examines strategic management research across Latin America from 1990 to 2023, addressing four critical inquiries: the themes prevalent in strategic discussions, the leading countries in strategic management (SM) publications, the defining characteristics of strategic research in major Latin American economies and the reflection on whether Latin America is a region that generates or follows the knowledge of the Global North. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing co-occurrence analysis, this study maps the terrain of SM research in the region, analyzing 4,963 articles indexed in the Scopus database. The authors employed a co-occurrence analysis to map SM research in Latin America, analyzing 4,963 articles from the Scopus database. Findings Predominant themes include the theoretical underpinnings of strategy, sustainable development, innovation, tourism and international trade. Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile have emerged as leaders in research volume and thematic diversity, particularly in sustainable development and innovation. Practical implications By identifying patterns, behaviors and trends in SM research, the authors uncover methods and tools that, once contextualized for the region, can significantly enhance organizational performance. Originality/value This investigation is a pioneering effort, providing a focused analysis on SM research within Latin America. It highlights significant contributions since 1990 across the region's main economies. This study represents one of the first comprehensive mappings of this academic field within Latin America. This is the first article, to the authors’ knowledge, developed to map the intellectual structure of the SM field in Latin America through an analysis of co-occurrences, with emphasis on the region's main economies.

Sustainable innovations for rural Africa: Case studies from Nigeria and Tanzania

ABSTRACT Sustainable entrepreneurship is essential to tackle the negative effects of climate change in communities, especially in the rural areas of Africa. This article presents case studies of two start-ups developing sustainable business models for rural communities in Nigeria and Tanzania. The cases were monitored during an accelerator program, and the analyzed materials come from in-depth interviews, field observations, and secondary data. The obtained data were coded and processed using qualitative thematic analysis. The research activities took place during the years 2022 and 2023. The cases illustrate how the studied entrepreneurs have designed their sustainable business models and engaged with early adopters and opinion leaders within a community. They leveraged existing networks and community associations to provide education and training. This can be highly effective in increasing the adoption rates of innovations. However, navigating the political and cultural dynamics and building trust within communities is crucial to overcoming challenges and successfully diffusing innovations in rural Africa.