Determinants of a sustainable innovation system

Abstract

This study seeks to identify and define the determinants of the sustainable innovation system (SIS). To achieve the objective, a qualitative approach was used through a systematic literature review using data from Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus. Two search equations were used to extract the data. In the first search equation, 69 documents were analyzed, and for the second, 102 documents were analyzed. Multiple definitions were found regarding SIS, it is worth highlighting in the findings the evolutionary process that these systems follow. As a contribution to the study, 79 determinants of an SIS are presented derived from the classic functions of an innovation system.

Determinants of environmental innovations supporting small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises sustainable development

“…However, the weak presence of networking ties slows EIs and thus the competitiveness of SMEs. The mentioned intermediaries might help SMEs establish those connections with other enterprises indispensable to obtained steady orders, acquire know‐how, and enter into foreign markets, thus enforcing their competitiveness and triggering EIs (Zartha Sossa et al, 2020; Zubeltzu‐Jaka et al, 2018).…”

“…Until now, literature reviews of SMEs have found from 35 (Díaz-García et al, 2015) up to 79 determinants (Zartha Sossa et al, 2020).…”

“…Until now, literature reviews of SMEs have found from 35 (Díaz‐García et al, 2015) up to 79 determinants (Zartha Sossa et al, 2020). Investigations often consider jointly some of these determinants (e.g., different types of competencies with a unique item), whereas none analyzes them together simultaneously because of practical and statistical difficulties.…”

“…The majority of theoretical approaches aspire to discover the antecedents of firms' decision to invest in EIs at different levels, that is, the determinants (Liao & Liu, 2020; Zartha Sossa et al 2020; Zubeltzu‐Jaka et al, 2018). These studies mainly focus on large firms operating in manufacturing sectors because of their higher environmental impact, whereas the EI processes of small‐and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the vast majority of ventures in many western economic contexts, are underresearched (Díaz‐García et al, 2015; Tang, Walsh, Lerner, Fitza, & Li, 2018; Xavier et al, 2017).…”

Sustainability risk and portfolio management—A strategic scenario method for sustainable product development

“…But how fast should a company shift to offering more products with a higher sustainability performance? A company might have products with low sustainability performance that generate high revenue in the short term, but in the long term, these products can be rejected due to environmental legislation or changing customer requirements (Zartha Sossa et al, 2020). At the same time, the company may develop products with a higher sustainability performance that are not profitable in the short term, but in the future, these products might have a higher revenue, complying with new environmental regulations and being ahead in the market (Schulte et al, 2020).…”