An integrative approach for structuring and prioritising eco-innovation determinants with a survey in knowledge-based companies

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to develop a comprehensive set of determinants and sub-determinant of eco-innovation (EI) and to propose an approach for their structuring and prioritisation.Design/methodology/approachA framework was developed based on a literature review, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) was used to structure the main determinants and the results were transferred into a six-phase quality function deployment (QFD) for prioritising the sub-determinants. The statistical population included 15 experts and the middle/top managers of 130 knowledge-based companies.FindingsBased on the results of the driving power and dependence diagram from the ISM, a seven-level classification of the main determinants has been used. The QFD results indicated ‘meeting environmental law standards’; ‘scale to support innovative strategies’; ‘commitment to continually improve and make eco-innovations’; ‘technological advisory oriented to environment’; ‘product and process EI oriented methods’; ‘improvements in energy efficiency across the company and the market’ and ‘reputation, brand image, and profit margin’ as the priorities of the sub-determinants of eco-innovation in the phases of the developed QFD.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide evidence of the usefulness of decision-making approaches such as ISM and QFD in resolving environmental problems, which is helpful to analysts and practitioners in the field of EI.Originality/valueThe novel ISM+EID2 approach proposed distinguishes this study from previous studies. The approach allows elaboration on the model presented by de Pacheco et al. (2017) by adding nine empirically derived sub-determinants.

Influence of organisational innovation and innovation in general on eco-innovation in European companies

“…(8) Company size: Arranz et al (2019) claim that the size of a company is a key element in the development of eco-innovation practices with cost and financing being the determining and sub-determining factors, respectively. Thus, large companies will have a greater predisposition to adopt environmental objectives (Shahin et al, 2020), confirming the positive relationship between size and eco-innovation (Lee and Klassen, 2008;Carrillo-Hermosilla et al, 2009). If eco-innovation initiatives entail high costs and the benefits do not materialise until the medium to long term, small companies, with less possibility of accessing financing, will be less likely to adopt this type of measure (Bitencourt, 2020;Torugsa et al, 2013).…”

“…(2) Regulation and government stimulus: Among external factors, regulation is undoubtedly one of the most cited in the academic literature (Shahin et al, 2020) given the need for companies to comply with the growing body of environmental regulations. Regulation has also been considered a lever to promote eco-innovation by forcing compliance with standards and limiting the harmful impact of companies and industrial sectors by law (You et al, 2019;Horbach et al, 2012).…”

“…The development of organisational capacities, an EMS, corporate social responsibility (Shahin et al, 2020), and quality certifications such as ISO 14001 can determine the success factors for eco-innovation (Klewitz and Hansen, 2014). As can changes in the organisational structure through the introduction of health and safety departments, interdepartmental committees or teams, and training for employees in environmental matters (Klewitz and Hansen, 2014).…”

Developing a QFD model for prioritizing the CSFs of ERP based on the enablers of organizational agility

“…the OA enablers and the CSFs of ERP. Similar to the benefits of QFD in other applications (Shahin et al, 2020), some of the advantages in the current study include lower costs of analysis and decision-making, avoiding failure in deploying the studied factors, earlier changes in decision-making, the reduced process time of service development, fewer problems in implementing ERP and better company performance in ERP and OA. Therefore, a reason for using QFD is that it models the interdependencies among the study factors.…”

A Three-Player Game Model for Promoting the Diffusion of Green Technology in Manufacturing Enterprises from the Perspective of Supply and Demand

“…It can reduce the environmental impact of technology innovation or non-technology innovation, whether the purpose is for economic or environmental purposes [25]. Shahin et al defined eco-innovation as systematic innovation oriented to promote sustainable development [26]. In contrast to eco-innovation, Oltra and SaintJean defined environmental technology innovation as new or improved processes, practices, systems, and products that are beneficial to the environment and environmental sustainability [27].…”