The effectiveness of appropriation mechanisms for sustainable innovations from small and medium-sized enterprises

Morales, Pablo M. Cañero; Flikkema, Meindert; Castaldi, Carolina; Man, Ard‐Pieter de

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133921

Cited by 10 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 49 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This paper addresses an ongoing debate regarding the place of appropriation mechanisms in the context of SI (Corrocher & Solito, 2017; Hermundsdottir & Aspelund, 2021; Vimalnath et al, 2020). Our research addressed the need to better understand the motives for using appropriation mechanisms on SI (Castaldi, 2021; Morales et al, 2022). Through a qualitative study of 42 semi‐structured interviews, we found that sustainable innovators' motivations for using or not using formal and informal appropriation mechanisms have broadened compared to motives identified in the general innovation appropriation literature.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The role of appropriation mechanisms in SI is a nascent field with limited research. Questions remain in this area, and the motives behind appropriation mechanisms appear poorly understood (e.g., Castaldi, 2021; Corrocher & Solito, 2017; Eppinger et al, 2021; Hermundsdottir & Aspelund, 2021; Morales et al, 2022; Vimalnath et al, 2020). Considering the general innovation literature, the motives to use appropriation mechanisms on SI may have broadened or shifted as SI is driven by unique sustainability motives (Science for Environment Policy, 2020; Triguero et al, 2016) and business models (Bocken et al, 2014; Mignon & Bankel, 2022).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Considering the general innovation literature, the motives to use appropriation mechanisms on SI may have broadened or shifted as SI is driven by unique sustainability motives (Science for Environment Policy, 2020; Triguero et al, 2016) and business models (Bocken et al, 2014; Mignon & Bankel, 2022). For example, secrecy might be avoided because it could obstruct SI diffusion, remanufacturing and recycling initiatives (Eppinger et al, 2021); similarly, complexity might be avoided due to reputational critiques by sustainability advocates (Morales et al, 2022). While some works have suggested motives driving the use of specific appropriation mechanisms, empirical evidence is scarce.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, Higgins (2003) proposed that patents for environmental innovations have certain advantages, and Castaldi (2021) conceptualized motives (not) to file patents, trademarks, and design rights by sustainable innovators. Other works have examined appropriation mechanisms in SI from an implementation perspective: Vimalnath et al (2020) examined green innovators' patenting strategies, whereas Corrocher and Solito (2017) examined how firms protect and exploit environmental innovation, and Morales et al (2022) examined the association of formal and informal appropriation mechanisms with commercial success of SI. By measuring appropriation mechanisms' use, some motives—like protection and commercial gain—may be inferred, but this only presents a partial picture.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The literature has only recently started to examine the role played by appropriation mechanisms in SI (e.g., Castaldi, 2021; Eppinger et al, 2021; Morales et al, 2022; Vimalnath et al, 2020). However, questions remain regarding whether appropriation mechanisms even have a role for SI (Corrocher & Solito, 2017; Hermundsdottir & Aspelund, 2021; Vimalnath et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Why use or forgo formal and informal appropriation mechanisms? A qualitative study of sustainable innovations from small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises

Morales,

Flikkema,

Castaldi

et al. 2023

Bus Strat Env

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The role that appropriation mechanisms such as patents and secrecy play in sustainable innovation is currently being debated. In particular, we lack an understanding of the different motives behind using or forgoing specific appropriation mechanisms. Current knowledge is mainly derived from the general innovation literature, which emphasizes profiting from innovation. However, sustainable innovators also seek to positively impact the environment and society, which raises the question of whether existing appropriation literature also applies to sustainable innovation. We interviewed 42 business leaders from small‐to‐medium‐sized enterprises concerning a recently commercialized sustainable innovation. The results indicate that known motives from the general innovation literature apply to sustainable innovation but also reveal motives specific to sustainable innovation. We also discovered motives suitable to all innovations, such as non‐disclosure agreement motives extending beyond achieving secrecy. Theoretically, our findings suggest the profiting from innovation framework may also apply to sustainable innovation, even though the pursuit of profits is not the only motive of sustainable innovators. In practical terms, the results help sustainable innovators to craft an appropriation strategy, and policy‐related opportunities arise for improving patent and trademark filing experiences.

show abstract