Exploring Supply Chain Collaboration for Green Innovations: Evidence from the High-Tech Industry in Poland

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to investigate whether the wide scope of supply chain collaboration including both customers and suppliers (Upstream–downstream External Collaboration) determines the greening of innovation more significantly than the scope limited only to suppliers (Upstream External Collaboration) or customers (Downstream External Collaboration). This goal was achieved as part of extensive research on the impact of relational capital on the innovativeness of high-tech companies in Poland. The results of the research were analysed using fuzzy conversion scales and descriptive statistics based on triangular fuzzy numbers. The application of the achievements of the fuzzy sets theory made it possible to test the hypotheses presented in the article with the use of fuzzy analysis of variance (fuzzy ANOVA). The findings confirm that the subjective scope of collaboration in the supply chain is important for greening innovation. Companies that cooperate with both suppliers and customers (Upstream–downstream External Collaboration) declared a greater tendency to green their innovations than those that cooperate with only one group of partners. The research findings contribute to the literature on the role of collaboration in the ecological responsibility and environmental performance of supply chain partners. The conclusions may have practical implications for the design and implementation of strategies in sustainable supply chain management. The study provides important lessons for SC managers facing the challenge of sustainable management during and after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Carbon neutral announcements and Chinese stock market reaction: a supply chain network-based perspective

“…This form of cooperation can help firms establish a low-carbon emissions reduction and friendly cooperation image in the market (Zhou et al, 2016), which is conducive to the spread of corporate reputation and value creation. This is consistent with Ocicka et al (2022) findings that the scope of supply chain collaboration is critical for firms to implement carbon neutrality. Companies that work with multiple partners have a greater tendency to be carbon neutral.…”

Green supply chain integration, supply chain agility and green innovation performance: Evidence from Chinese manufacturing enterprises

“…Owing to the high risk and uncertainty of green innovation, it is difficult for firms to implement green innovation with their resources; thus, they need to cooperate with supply chain partners to obtain the required resources (Ocicka et al, 2022). Existing research suggests that firms' innovation resources may come from both inside and outside the organization (Kafouros et al, 2020).…”

Logistics performance: critical factors in the implementation of end-of-life management practices in the pharmaceutical care process

“…According to Luthra et al ( 2020 ) and Mahadevan ( 2019 ), companies require solid coordination and collaboration among members of the supply chain and to extend these principles to the reverse flow of products. Collaboration in the supply chain is gaining strategic importance in terms of ecological innovation as an integral part of the environmental and innovation strategies of contemporary companies that adopt disruptive technologies (Ocicka et al 2022 ).…”

“…Luo and Wan ( 2022 ) designed an effective recycling system; the strategy of reutilizing physical drugstores and the cooperation between drugmakers and drugstores can significantly enhance the profitability and sustainability of the system. According to Ocicka et al ( 2022 ), companies that cooperate with suppliers and customers (upstream–downstream external collaboration) declared a greater tendency to green their innovations than those that cooperate with only a limited group of partners.…”

“…However, cooperation in the supply chain and waste management is essential. Supply chain entities create inter-organizational links as they have something to gain (Ocicka et al 2022 ).…”