Addressing barriers to eco-innovation: Exploring the finance mobilisation functions of institutional innovation intermediaries

Abstract

This research article explores the role of institutional innovation intermediaries in accelerating the commercialisation of (clean) technologies. Drawing on the finance and innovation intermediaries literatures, we show that financial barriers to eco-innovation can be partly overcome by particular functions of institutional innovation intermediaries; this in turn mobilises private finance along the innovation process. Therefore, we empirically evaluate the roles and instruments of institutional innovation intermediaries (innovation intermediation, policy support, public-private cooperation, financial instruments). Our contribution intersects both the finance and the innovation systems literature by exploring the finance mobilisation functions of institutional innovation intermediaries to address barriers to eco-innovation along the innovation process.

CEOs' regulatory focus, slack resources and firms' environmental innovation

“…Some researchers have contended that slack resources enable organizations to increase their ability to withstand risks, to develop products more easily without being concerned about resource depletion problems caused by the failure of the products developed and to adopt environmental innovation (Hekkert, & P.,, & Negro, S. O., 2009;Polzin et al, 2016). The previous literature on the relationship between slack resources and environmental innovation is not lacking, but the views regarding the specific impact of slack resources on firms' environmental innovation are not consistent.…”

“…The previous literature on the relationship between slack resources and environmental innovation is not lacking, but the views regarding the specific impact of slack resources on firms' environmental innovation are not consistent. Some researchers have contended that slack resources enable organizations to increase their ability to withstand risks, to develop products more easily without being concerned about resource depletion problems caused by the failure of the products developed and to adopt environmental innovation (Hekkert, & P.,, & Negro, S. O., 2009;Polzin et al, 2016).…”

“…An increasing number of firms are attempting to find methods for sustainable development to increase their profits and to protect the environment at the same time (Epicoco, Oltra, & Saint Jean, 2014;Yabar, Uwasu, & Hara, 2013). Therefore, environmental innovation, as a new pattern of development, has attracted much attention from both researchers and practitioners (Polzin, Von Flotow, & Klerkx, 2016). Unlike traditional innovation, environmental innovation involves the dual externalities of positive R&D spillover and environmental protection, and can enhance a firm's competitive advantage and improve its environmental performance (Faucheux & Nicolaı, 1998;Kesidou & Demirel, 2012;Porter & van der Linde, 1995).…”

Mind the Gap: Lessons from the UK to Brazil about the Roles of TTOs throughout Collaborative R&D Projects

“…2, e170048, 2017 www.anpad.org.br/bar important issue for the existence of the British project. Financial mobilization by intermediaries may help R&D projects to leverage public and private funds more effectively (Polzin, Flotow, & Klerkx, 2016 Alexander and Martin (2013), who assume that intermediaries in the interface of universities and firms should establish knowledge-based boundary-spanning activities through the effective mobilization of people (human resources). And the help of Sedetec in approving a scholarship for an undergraduate student fits in this situation.…”

A diverse and resilient financial system for investments in the energy transition

“…Thus, investors may shy away from otherwise perfectly functioning technologies. Overcoming such coordination problems requires a coordinated approach [22]. Typically, the government has a role in setting standards, building up infrastructures and reducing such risks [23].…”